TO CORRELATE APGAR SCORE AND CORD BLOOD PH WITH SEVERITY OF BIRTH ASPHYXIA AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOME

Abstract

Introduction: Research is focusing on identifying predictive measures for adverse neonatal outcomes in high-risk infants, particularly in relation to birth asphyxia, a condition causing inadequate gas exchange during labor. Birth asphyxia is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality, with an annual incidence of 4-9 million cases. Addressing this is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Perinatal asphyxia accounts for around 20% of infant mortality in India, with a significant subset succumbing within the first three days. Aims: The study investigates the relationship between APGAR score and cord blood pH in neonates with birth asphyxia, its severity, and immediate outcomes like death or discharge. Methodology: This study investigates the correlation between APGAR score, cord blood pH, and birth asphyxia severity in inborn neonates at Krishna Hospital Karad. It includes term AGA newborns with a score below 7, normal respiration, or requiring active resuscitation measures.
RESULTS: The study involved 60 cases, with 54% male and 46% female. The mean maternal age was 23.76 years, newborns were 38.68 weeks, and birth weight was 2.92 kg. The mean APGAR scores were 3.33 and 5.51, with a significant percentage of participants having some degree of HIE. The study found a significant correlation between APGAR scores and mortality rates. Discussion: Perinatal asphyxia is a common neonatal issue in low- and middle-income countries like India. The Apgar score, a rapid tool for assessing newborn clinical status, is used to report resuscitation response. Umbilical cord blood pH (UC-pH) is a reliable indicator of fetal acidosis at birth, correlated with adverse outcomes like resuscitation and NICU admission. Combining UC-pH with the Apgar score is cost-effective in resource-limited settings. Conclusion: Prolonged hypoxia can decrease cord blood pH, which can predict neonate birth asphyxia severity and result, alongside the APGAR score.