Publication:

Evaluating the nutritional status of preterm very low birth weight infants at discharge: a prospective cohort study

Background Low birth weight (LBW), defined by the WHO as a birth weight under 2500 grams, is a critical risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of preterm very low birth weight infants at the time of discharge.

Methods This prospective-cohort study was conducted at Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, from April 2009 to March 2010.

Results 80 patients enrolled, comprising 48 males and 32 females. Among the 33 infants (≤32 weeks gestation), 24 completed the study up-to 52 weeks post-conception. Infants born at<32 weeks gestation show significant growth in weight, length and head-circumference by 52 weeks post-conception, yet many fall short of growth standards. Mean weight increased from 1210.4 to 3907 (grams), length from 37.7 to 52 (cm) and head-circumference from 26.7 to 39.5 (cm). A significant proportion remained in the <-3 S.D. category for weight (majority) and length (91.7%), with head-circumference deficits reducing from 21.2% to 12.5%.

Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding may not reduce the prevalence of extrauterine-growth-restriction in very low birth weight preterm infants, extended follow-up period could show improvements, highlighting a study limitation.