Longitudinal growth and post-discharge mortality and morbidity among extremely low birth weight neonates

Abstract

Objective: To study post-discharge growth, mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight neonates at corrected age of 2 years.

Methods: Weight, length and head circumference were compared on WHO growth charts at corrected ages 3 (n=54), 6, 9, 12 (n=51) and 24 months (n=37); rates of underweight, stunting, microcephaly and wasting were calculated.

Results: The mean Z-score for weight, length, head circumference and weight-for-length significantly improved from 3 to 24 months (P<0.001); a significant proportion remained malnourished at 2 years. Nine infants (11%) died and 35 (44%) required re-admission during first year of age.

Conclusions: Extremely low birth weight neonates remain significantly growth retarded at corrected age of 2 years.