Birth hypoxia and spinal reflex in newborn babies

Birth hypoxia is detrimental to neuronal function. In this study, its effect on spinal monosynaptic reflex was investigated on two different age groups of human newborn babies using few non-invasive electrophysiological parameters. A total of 57 newborns (25 hypoxic + 32 non-hypoxic) were the study subject. Out of which, 31 newborns (11 hypoxic + 20 non-hypoxic) were examined within 48 hours of birth, and the rest 26 (14 hypoxic + 12 non-hypoxic) were examined between 48h and 120h (five days) of birth. H-reflex latency (HRL), distal motor latency (DL), and H-reflex conduction velocity (HRCV), were estimated for understanding the transmission of impulse in the monosynaptic reflex pathway. Moreover, Hmax, Mmax, and H/M ratio were observed for studying the spinal motor neuronal excitability. The injurious effect of hypoxia was detected on HRL, HRCV, Hmax and H/M ratio in babies who were examined within 48h of birth. The HRL was significantly increased and other parameters were significantly reduced. In the older group of babies, however, Hmax was the only parameter affected by hypoxia. The relatively older babies of hypoxic or non-hypoxic group had higher Hmax and H/M ratio compared to younger ones of their own group.