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

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.