Association of Placental Parameters with Low Birth Weight Among Neonates Born in the Public Hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta indices are the significant determinants of perinatal outcome and neonatal mortality. A clinician can predict neonatal status based on the findings from the placental indices. However, there are limited studies on the relationship between placental parameters and neonatal birth weight in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess placental parameters and their association with birth weight among neonates born at public hospitals in southern Ethiopia.

METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 systematically selected placentae with the attached umbilical cord from normal singleton live birth with known gestational age. A weighing scale, long needle, and standard non-elastic tape were used to measure placental parameters. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were obtained from the medical charts. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions analyses were done to assess the association between placental indices with neonatal birth weight. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% CI was used to declare the statistical significance.

RESULTS: In this study, the mean placental weight, diameter, and thickness were 475.9gm, 17.73cm, and 4.43cm, respectively, and the prevalence of low birth weight was 10% (95% CI: 6-14%). Low placental weight (AOR: 6.57; 95% CI: 2.47-17.48), low placental thickness (AOR: 4.94; 95% CI: 1.42-17.22), and gestational age (AOR: 4.73; 95% CI: 1.49-14.99) were associated with low birth weight.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that placental parameters, particularly weight and thickness, and gestational age have a significant influence on low birth weight. Therefore, proper examination of the placenta should be performed routinely following delivery for better newborn care.