Growth Parameters and Follow up of Low-Birth-Weight Healthy Newborn Discharged from Post Natal Ward of Dr. BRAMH Raipur till 4 Month of Age

Introduction: LBW is known to be associated with subsequent health issues such as poor anthropometric growth in childhood. Late catch-up growth of preterm infants throughout childhood linked to an adverse health outcome. The aim of this study is to study the growth parameters of healthy low birth weight neonates discharged from post-natal ward. Material and methods: This was a hospital based prospective cross-sectional study conducted in year of 2022 in the department of pediatrics at Pt JNMCH, Raipur. Vitally stable LBW neonates were recruited in the study. The sample size calculated was 140. At the time of birth anthropometric measurement i.e. head circumference, length, weight was taken. Follow up was done again at 1.5 month, 2.5 month and 3.5 month. Informed consent was taken form care takers prior to inclusion in the study. Results: In present study 140 newborns were followed up for their growth. The mean difference between birth weight at birth and at 1.5 months was 1.150 kg (p<0.01), at 1.5 months and weight at 2.5 months was 1.129 kg (p<0.01) and at 2.5 months and weight at 3.5 months was 1.436 kg (p<0.01). Type of feed wise mean weight gain at 1.5 months was highest on those on formula feed, mother milk and those on mixed feed. Male had higher mean weight gain than female. Conclusion: The present study concluded that postnatal lactation counseling leads to higher weight gain in infants as compared to those on formula feed.