Application of fuzzy logic to the Apgar scoring system

Apgar fuzzy expert system (AFES) applied fuzzy logic to the Apgar Scoring System (APG). We prepared the AFESs for both an inexperienced obstetrician (resident A) and an experienced obstetrician (specialist B) separately. We then compared their evaluations of the same 80 neonates at 1 min after birth using both the AFES and the APG. Analysis of the relationship of the general evaluation by the APG (scores below 6 or over 7) and the AFES (bad or good) to the umbilical arterial blood gases (pH below or above 7.20) showed that the sensitivities were 0.36 for the APG evaluation by resident A, 0.50 for the APG evaluation by specialist B, 0.60 for the AFES rating by resident A, and 0.71 for the AFES rating by specialist B. The specificities were 0.94, 0.95, 0.97 and 0.97, respectively. These results demonstrated that the AFES was capable of reflecting the recognition of the examiner.