TO DETERMINE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LBW / IUGR / PRE-MATURITY IN NEONATES AND MATERNAL HEALTH IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI
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Keywords
Maternal anemia; Antenatal care; LBW; IUGR; Prematurity; Pakistan; NICU.
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and prematurity are major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality and are strongly influenced by maternal health.
Objective: To determine the association between maternal health indicators and adverse neonatal outcomes (LBW, IUGR/SGA, prematurity) in a tertiary hospital in Karachi.
Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive mother–infant dyads using a standardized proforma. Maternal variables included hemoglobin, BMI, antenatal care (ANC) visits, booking status, and complications (PIH, DM/GDM). Neonatal outcomes included gestational age (GA), birth weight, and growth status (AGA/SGA/IUGR). Data were summarized as mean±SD or n (%). Exploratory associations were evaluated with crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from 2×2 tables.
Results: N = 26 dyads. Mean GA 32.84 ± 1.73 weeks; mean birth weight 1792.2 ± 500.3 g. Preterm (<37 weeks) 22/26 (84.6%); LBW (<2500 g) 21/24 (87.5%); IUGR/SGA 15/26 (57.7%). Maternal anemia (<10 g/dL) 7/24 (29.2%); ANC ≥ 4 visits 11/16 (68.8%); booked 17, unbooked 5. Exploratory associations (imprecise due to small denominators): unbooked status showed higher odds of LBW (OR 2.33; 95% CI 0.10–52.65); anemia appeared inversely related to LBW (OR 0.20; 0.02–1.88) given near-universal LBW; PIH vs IUGR OR 0.45 (0.07–2.82).
Conclusion: In this tertiary NICU, LBW and prematurity were highly prevalent. Maternal factors—ANC use, booking status, and complications—clustered with adverse neonatal outcomes. Strengthening ANC coverage and maternal anemia/PIH/DM screening and management may mitigate risk. Larger, fully captured datasets are needed for adjusted analyses.
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Dr. Sidra Iqbal
Harbin Medical University, China / FCPS Pediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi
Dr. Hifza Aiman
Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro / FCPS Pediatrics
Fellowship in Neonatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi
Dr. Ehsan Qadir
FCPS Pediatrics, FCPS Neonatology, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, PNS Shifa, Karachi
Dr. Kiran Minhas
Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi / FCPS Pediatrics, CHPE Fellowship in Neonatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi
Dr. Nimra Yousuf
Pediatrics Trainee, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Dr. Maryam Abid
People’s University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shaheed Benazirabad /
Postgraduate Trainee in Pediatrics Medicine, PNS Shifa, Karachi