Outcome of very low birth weight infants in a tertiary neonatal care centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka: A preliminary study

Introduction: The number of preterm deliveries in Sri Lanka has increased during the last 2 decades and Sri Lankan data regarding their outcome is sparse.

Objectives: To describe short-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates in Sri Lanka

Method: A prospective observational study was conducted on all neonates weighing from 500-1500g born at De Soysa Hospital for Women, Colombo from 01.01.2020 – 30.06.2020. Babies who were transferred into and out of DSHW were excluded from the study. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a data recording form at different stages of hospital stay.

Results: Our study population contained 48 babies with birth weights between 500g-1500g, of which 47.9% were males and 52.1% were females. Mean gestational age was 29.7±3.07 weeks with a range of 24+6 to 33+3 weeks. Mean birth weight was 1026±354.6g with a range of 505-1490g. Overall survival rate was 83.3%. Gestation specific mortality rates were 50% for <26 weeks, 22% for 26-29 weeks and 10% for 30-31 weeks. There were no deaths between 32-34 weeks. Mortality was 40%, 19% and 4.5% for birth weights 500-750g, 751–1000g and 1001-1500g respectively. Respiratory distress syndrome was seen in 83% and surfactant was required in 58%. Non-invasive and invasive ventilation were used in 60% and 40% respectively. Patent ductus arteriosus (37.5%), neonatal sepsis (29.1%), retinopathy of prematurity (18.7%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (14.5%) intraventricular haemorrhage (14.5%), periventricular leucomalacia (4.2%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (4.2%) were all significantly higher (p<0.05) in babies with gestation <28 weeks and birth weight <1000g compared to babies with gestation 28-34weeks and birth weight 1001-1500g.

Conclusions: The survival rate of VLBW in DSHW, Colombo, Sri Lanka was 83.3%. Survival decreased at lower gestational ages and lower birth weights. Complications were significantly higher in the extreme preterm and ELBW groups compared to babies with gestation between 28-34 weeks and babies with birth weights between 1001-1500g.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2022; 51(2): 277-281