Professional
Technical
IVT
very very low birth weight
Also written as: VVLBW — Very Very Low Birth Weight
Infants weighing less than 1000 grams at birth, representing the most extreme category of prematurity.
Full Definition
Very very low birth weight (VVLBW) refers to newborns weighing less than 1000 grams (approximately 2 pounds 3 ounces) at birth. These infants typically require intensive medical care and prolonged hospitalization. VVLBW infants face significant risks including respiratory complications, neurological issues, and developmental delays. The term is used in medical documentation and research to categorize the severity of prematurity and associated complications.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun.
In Context
- "The VVLBW infant required immediate intubation upon delivery." — NICU admission note
- "Follow-up protocols for very very low birth weight infants include neurodevelopmental assessments at regular intervals." — Discharge planning document
Also known as
VVLBW
Contrasted with
normal birth weight
macrosomic
Don't confuse with
very low birth weight
extremely low birth weight