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Maternal and neonatal demographics of macrosomic infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit

Journal of Perinatology volume 37, pages 1292–1296 (2017)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence, significance, associated demographics and impact of macrosomic infants (⩾4 kg) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on NICU census and resources.

Study design:

A retrospective cohort review was performed from 2010 to 2015. Descriptive statistical analyses were used.

Results:

Of 19 308 deliveries, 1823 were infants ⩾4000 g and 213 were admitted to the NICU. Cesarean delivery occurred in 70% of the admitted infants, most (74.1%) were Grade 1 macrosomia and male (63%). Preterm birth occurred in 4%. The incidence of maternal diabetes was 25%. Primary admitting diagnoses were respiratory distress, suspected sepsis, hypoglycemia and perinatal depression. The average length of stay was 8±6 days for all macrosomic infants admitted, increased to 22±13 days for infants with Grade 3 macrosomia.

Conclusion:

Macrosomic infants are a growing population, who increase the demand on existing NICU resources. A larger multi-centered study is needed to determine the overall relevance of these findings in other populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    J N Tolosa & D A Calhoun

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  1. J N Tolosa
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Correspondence to J N Tolosa.

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Tolosa, J., Calhoun, D. Maternal and neonatal demographics of macrosomic infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 37, 1292–1296 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2017.128

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