Intermediate
Technical
IVT
VLBW
Also written as: VLBW — Very Low Birth Weight
Acronym for very low birth weight, referring to infants weighing less than 1500 grams at birth.
Full Definition
VLBW is the standard medical abbreviation for very low birth weight, used extensively in neonatal documentation and research. Infants classified as VLBW face significant medical challenges and require intensive care monitoring. The term appears frequently in medical charts, discharge summaries, and clinical studies. Editors must distinguish this from related weight classifications like ELBW (extremely low birth weight) and LBW (low birth weight).
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as VLBW in medical contexts. Do not use periods between letters.
In Context
- "The VLBW infant required prolonged NICU hospitalization." — Medical chart documentation
- "VLBW outcomes have improved significantly over the past decade." — Research publication
Also known as
very low birth weight
Don't confuse with
ELBW
LBW