Retrospective Analysis of Low Birth Weight in NICU Admissions: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Neonatal Outcomes, 2024

• Ghamela Ali

  Pediatric Department, University of Tobruk and Tobruk Medical Center

  Author

• Nouri Gayth Mammesh

  Pediatric Department, University of Tobruk and Tobruk Medical Center

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8463-5168

• Hajir Sultan

  Internship students, Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0967-9976

• Tagred Blash

  Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5327-5656

• Marwa

  Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9887-6921

• Roiya Shuwaikh

  Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7634-6430

Background: Low birth weight (LBW), birth weight below 2500 g regardless of gestational age, remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, yet updated local data from eastern Libya are limited. Objective: To determine the incidence of LBW among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Tobruk Medical Center during 2024, identify associated maternal and obstetric risk factors, and assess neonatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study included all live-born neonates below 2500 g admitted to the NICU during 2024. Maternal (parity, medical history, obstetric complications) and neonatal (gestational age, sex, birth weight, multiple gestation, congenital anomaly, mode of delivery, outcome) variables were extracted from medical records. Incidence and odds ratios (OR) with chi-square testing were calculated; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of 654 NICU admissions, 163 neonates were LBW, an incidence of 24.9%. Preterm birth accounted for 55.2% of cases and was significantly associated with LBW (OR ≈ 3.22, p < 0.001). Multiple pregnancy accounted for 25.8% of cases, and 45.4% of mothers had at least one medical condition, most often urinary tract infection (10.4%) or anaemia (6.7%). Caesarean section was performed in 62% of cases, predominantly urgent (64.4%). Mortality was 24.5%. Conclusion: LBW forms a substantial proportion of NICU admissions in Tobruk and is strongly associated with prematurity, multiple gestation and maternal comorbidity. The high mortality underlines the need for improved antenatal care, early identification of high-risk pregnancies and stronger neonatal care in eastern Libya.

1. Ghamela Ali, Pediatric Department, University of Tobruk and Tobruk Medical Center

   Pediatric Department, University of Tobruk and Tobruk Medical Center

2. Marwa , Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

   Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

3. Roiya Shuwaikh, Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

   Internship students Medical Faculty, University of Tobruk

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