Neonatal mortality rate and major complication in very low birth weight preterm infants in Chonburi Hospital

Abstract

Currently, the issue of preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weight, is a significant public health concern in Thailand. This is due to the high mortality rates and complications leading to chronic illnesses, delayed development, the loss of healthcare resources, and overall economic impacts. Over the past year, the neonatal unit at Chonburi Hospital has revised its care protocols for preterm infants with very low birth weight. Therefore, the researcher aims to study the mortality rate and complications in very low birth weight preterm infants admitted to Chonburi Hospital. This study employs a retrospective-prospective analytic design. Data were collected from the medical records of VLBW premature infants admitted to Chonburi Hospital from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. Information from birth until discharge or death, including complications, was studied. Result among a total of 93 very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, a mortality rate of 6.45% (6 cases) was observed. The incidence rates of moderate to severe complications were as follows: necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage 2A or higher at 5.38% (5 cases), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade 3 or higher at 5.38% (5 cases), moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 11.83% (11 cases), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 3 or higher at 1.08% (1 case), respective Conclusion the mortality rate of VLBW premature infants at Chonburi Hospital is lower when  compare to other studies in Thailand, In addition, the incidence rates of various complications tend to decrease as well. Therefore, improving care guidelines may help reduce both mortality and complication rates.

Keywords: Very low birth weight preterm infants, mortality rate, complications