Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in Relation to Perinatal Anthropometry in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract Neonatal anthropometric parameters, routinely taken within the forty-eight hours of birth, are correlated with each other and neonatal outcomes. However, the relationship between neonatal anthropometry at admission (perinatal) and morbidity and mortality within twenty-eight days of life is understudied. The aim was to study neonatal morbidity and mortality in relation to perinatal anthropometry in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. A prospective cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. A total of 57 subjects were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric indices, and vital signs were taken at admission, and neonatal outcomes were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The data were analysed with SPSS version 25. Socio-demographic results showed 68% were male and 49% were aged 1-7 days. Perinatal weight correlated with crown-heel length (r = 0.697), head circumference (r= 0.697), cand hest circumference (r=0.776), p-value < 0.01 for all. Neonates with weak cry had the lowest mean anthropometric indices among clinical presentation groups. Neonates diagnosed with prematurity had the lowest mean weight of all the anthropometric parameters [Weight(1.34kg), Crown heel length (38.17cm), Head circumference (29.50cm), and Chest circumference (26.66 cm)]. Perinatal asphyxia, jaundice, and Sepsis also showed different relationships with the anthropometric values observed. Fifty-three subjects were discharged, and four deaths were recorded. This study demonstrated that neonatal anthropometric measurements were strongly interrelated; their direct association with short-term outcomes was not statistically significant. Neonatal weight was found to be a major indicator of prematurity, and reduced anthropometric indices had a strong correlation with neonatal outcomes.