Perinatal Outcomes Linked to Low Birth Weight
Author Information
Author(s): Coutinho Pedro R, Cecatti José G, Surita Fernanda G, Costa Maria L, Morais Sirlei S
Primary Institution: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
Hypothesis
To identify perinatal outcomes associated with low birth weight (LBW).
Conclusion
There was a clear association between LBW and unfavorable perinatal outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- LBW infants showed more frequently signs of perinatal compromise such as abnormal amniotic fluid volume.
- LBW infants had a higher risk of being preterm and receiving lower Apgar scores.
- LBW was associated with a greater risk of cesarean delivery.
Takeaway
Babies born with low birth weight often have more health problems at birth, like lower scores on health tests and a higher chance of needing special medical care.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study analyzing data from 43,499 liveborn infants delivered between 1986 and 2004.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to varying capacities to determine gestational age and the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study could not reliably determine gestational age for all cases, which may affect the analysis of preterm and small for gestational age infants.
Participant Demographics
The study included liveborn infants delivered in a tertiary maternity hospital in Campinas, Brazil.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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