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Maternal factors contributing to asphyxia neonatorum
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|August 1, 1996
Summary
This study identified maternal risk factors for birth asphyxia, finding prolonged labor and meconium staining significant indicators. Early recognition of high-risk signs during labor is crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Birth asphyxia remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying maternal risk factors is crucial for implementing preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify maternal risk factors associated with birth asphyxia.
- To analyze the antenatal and intrapartum course of deliveries resulting in birth asphyxia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 15,964 deliveries over 3 years.
- Analysis of 68 cases of birth asphyxia, excluding preterm infants (<34 weeks or <=2000g).
- Inclusion criteria: 5-minute Apgar score < 6 considered abnormal.
Main Results:
- Incidence of asphyxia neonatorum was 4.6/1000 births.
- Risk factors included grand multiparity (10%), prolonged labor (first stage 49%, second stage 36%), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (47%).
- Caesarean section (53%) was common, often for fetal distress (44%); meconium aspiration occurred in 34%.
Conclusions:
- High-risk signs during labor, such as prolonged stages and meconium, can be recognized.
- Judicious use of partogram, fetal scalp blood pH, and amino-infusion is encouraged for managing high-risk labor.