Resumen

FANEITE, Pedro et al. Bajo peso al nacer.: Importancia. Rev Obstet Ginecol Venez [online]. 2006, vol.66, n.3, pp.139-143. ISSN 0048-7732.

Objective: To know the maternal and perinatal characteristics of low birth weight newborn and to make suggestions for a better assistance. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Dr. Adolfo Prince Lara" Hospital, Puerto Cabello. Methods: Analytical, epidemiological, retrospective and descriptive study of 365 newborns of low weight (less than de 2500 g), during 2003-2005. In a total of 7940 alive newborns, during the period, the incidence was 4.59 %. Results: Patients were 90.48 % singles, 23.81 % 19 years old or less, and 50.71 % had no prenatal care. Familial history: hypertension 40.89 % and diabetes 26.11 %; personal history: abortions 37.41 % and previous cesarean section 31.71 %. Admission diagnostic: labor 47.9 %, previous cesarean section 14.6 % (52/357), premature rupture of membranes 13.72 %. The 58.98 % were multigravidas, and 50,42 % preterm pregnancies, vaginal delivery 61.9 %; the newborn were females 58.08 %, and weight ranged from 2 000 to 2 500 g in 61,92 %, with size between 45-49 cm in 46.02 % (168/356); Apgar index was 6 or less in 78.03 %. Global morbidity was 29.31 %; global perinatal mortality was 26.3 %, fetal 14.79 % and neonatal 11.5 %. The respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis were the preponderant pathologies. Conclusion: Low weight neonates show a high perinatal morbimortality, represented mainly by respiratory problems and sepsis. We should insist in an intensive prenatal and perinatal care.

Palabras clave : Newborn; Low birth weight; Epidemiology.