Neonatology

Biography

Biography: Rita Prasad Verma

Abstract

Background: Early postnatal body weight changes (Δ bw) and their clinical implications are poorly understood in preterm infants. We investigated the relationships between Δ bw and body fluid metabolism dependent morbidities in ELBW infants, the population which has highest incidences of such morbidities. Δ bw were evaluated as maximum weight loss (MΔbw); and as daily body weight changes from birth weight (DΔ bw) during the first 15 days of life. The mother-infants' variables relevant to body fluid balance, namely, oxygen dependence on day 28 (BPD28), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular-periventricular hemorrhage (IVH), antenatal steroid (ANS) and gestational age (GA) were correlated with MΔbw and DΔ bw via Pearson's correlation coefficient and Pearson's partial correlation tests. The effects of MΔbw, as low (5-12% of birth weight) moderate (18.1-12%) and high (18-25%) were also assessed.

Results: MΔbw (n=102) was 14.2+/-5.4%. Day of life of MΔbw was 5.5+/-2.1 and that of surpassing birth weight 14.5+/-4.2. MΔbw correlated negatively with GA, ANS and pregnancy associated hypertension (PAH); and positively with BPD28, days on oxygen, fluid intake and urinary output in a GA dependent manner. MΔbw did not correlate with RDS, hypotension, PIE, IVH, PDA and hospital stay. DΔ bw correlated inversely with GA on days 1–8, and was associated with decreased risks for BPD28, PDA and IVH after controlling for GA. ANS decreased DΔ bw. Maternal diabetes mellitus (MDM) and PAH were not noted in mothers in high MΔbw group. 38% of mothers in low MΔbw group suffered from PAH.

Conclusion: MΔbw, governed by maturation, does not promote morbidities independent of GA within the range of 14.5+4.2%. DΔ bw is protective for PDA, BPD28 and IVH independent of GA. ANS decreases DΔbw, which correlates inversely with GA during the first week of life. MDM and PAH have implications in Δ bw in ELBW neonates.