Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:03
The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation
Published on: August 15, 2018
Risk factors of birth asphyxia
Rehana Majeed1, Yasmeen Memon, Farrukh Majeed
1Department of Paediatrics, Isra University, Hyderabad. drrehanamajeed@yahoo.com
Summary
Birth asphyxia, a major global issue, is linked to maternal factors like poor nutrition and lack of antenatal care. Addressing these risks through improved perinatal care can significantly reduce neonatal mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Obstetrics
- Public health
Background:
- Birth asphyxia poses a significant global health challenge, leading to serious neonatal complications including brain damage, seizures, and neurological deficits.
- Understanding the risk factors associated with birth asphyxia is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and improving neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and identify the key risk factors contributing to birth asphyxia in neonates.
- To assess the association between maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications with the incidence of neonatal encephalopathy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, descriptive study involving 125 neonates admitted to a neonatal care unit with delayed cry or low Apgar scores (<7).
- Maternal history was collected, focusing on age, gestational age, and any pregnancy-related complications.
- Data analysis focused on identifying antepartum and intrapartum risk factors associated with birth asphyxia.
Main Results:
- Neonatal encephalopathy was diagnosed in 28% of cases (moderate/severe) and 36% (mild).
- Risk factors included maternal age extremes, lack of antenatal care (64%), multiple births (4.8%), non-cephalic presentation (20%), prolonged rupture of membranes (24%), particulate meconium (9.6%), maternal anemia (60%), and antepartum hemorrhage (34.44%).
- A significant proportion of deliveries occurred at home (56%) or private facilities (28%) rather than tertiary care hospitals (12%).
Conclusions:
- Lack of antenatal care, poor maternal nutrition, antepartum hemorrhage, and toxemia are strongly associated with a higher incidence of birth asphyxia.
- Improving maternal health, nutrition, and access to quality antenatal and perinatal care is essential for reducing neonatal mortality.
- Early identification of high-risk pregnancies and implementing safe motherhood policies are recommended to mitigate the impact of birth asphyxia.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:05Breathing
The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...