Postnatal Growth Among Very Low Birth Weight Neonates at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Study background: Very Low birth weights (VLBW) are neonates with birth weight between 1000 grams(g) and 1499 g. They are predominantly premature having been born before attaining 37 weeks of gestation. Their postnatal growth is associated with short term and long-term effects. Little is known about postnatal growth and enteral feeding of VLBW in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) Broad objective: To determine the in-patient postnatal growth patterns and nutrition among VLBW at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Study design and site: This was a six-month prospective cohort study at KNH. Participants and methods: The study population consisted of seventy-nine VLBW in KNH New Born Unit (NBU) enrolled through consecutive sampling after fulfilling inclusion criteria. A structured data collection tool was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures and comorbid factors after consent has been obtained. Data management: Data was entered and analyzed in (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) SPSS .The population was described by summarizing variables into percentages and means or medians. Postnatal growth was measured by analyzing the proportion of VLBW regaining birthweight at 14 days of life and median time in days to achieving full enteral feeds. Statistical significance was interpreted at 95% confidence level. Results and Interpretation: 49% regained birth weight by 14 days of life. The postnatal growth rate was weight gain of 14.4 g/ kg/day, length 0.48 cm/ week and head circumference 0. 43cm/ week. The comorbid factors were respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal jaundice and sepsis. Conclusion and recommendation: The current study showed that feeding practice and postnatal growth rate is approaching the recommended growth rates of VLBW. The standard of care practices and quality improvement to be upheld.