Evaluating the Survival Rate and Growth Parameters of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates at the End of Third Year of Life

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objectives: In the past decade, survival rate of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates increased dramatically due to the advances in pre and post natal cares. On the other hand, high birth and survival rate of VLBW neonates has made some difficulties in post natal growth evaluation. This study was aimed to evaluate the growth parameters in VLBW infants at the chronological of 36 months. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Alzahra teaching Hospital Tabriz. IRAN on VLBW infants at their chronological age of 36 months. National center for Health Statistics (NCHS) curves were used for evaluation of growth parameters. Results: 55 girls and 55 boys with mean birth weight of 1218 grams (720-1500 grams) were recruited. 18% of studied subjects had length and 24% had weight and head circumference below third percentile. Conclusion: About one-fourth of VLBW infants don’t reach above the third percentile in growth parameters at chronological age of 36 month.

Keywords: Growth parameter, Survivor rate, Premature, Very low birth weight