Resuscitation of the newborn infant

Perinatal asphyxia may occur prior to or at the time of birth, leading to hypoxia and acidosis with persistence of the fetal circulatory pattern. Resuscitation facilitates transition to the adult circulatory pattern by restoring normal oxygenation, ventilation, and perfusion. Assessment of the degree of asphyxia should utilize the Apgar score, and resuscitation should proceed in a stepwise fashion to an extent determined by the degree of depression. Aspects of resuscitation unique to the newborn are reviewed, in addition to situations requiring specific intervention.