DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i07.042

Pages: 2704-2709

About one quarter of all neonatal deaths globally are caused by birth asphyxia. Short term complications of asphyxia include multi organ dysfunction and death, whereas in the long-term, survivors of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy might develop cerebral palsy, developmental delay, visual, hearing and intellectual impairment, epilepsy and learning and behavioural problems. This study is aimed at evaluating the antenatal and intrapartum risk factors for birth asphyxia and to study the short term outcome of term babies admitted with birth asphyxia. Methodology: All term babies delivered at Government General Hospital, Kakinada with birth asphyxia were enrolled in the study. Weight and gestational age matched babies were taken as controls. Antenatal and natal history, condition of baby at admission and details of resuscitation were recorded in a predesigned, structured preformed. In admitted babies complications and short term outcome in terms of mortality were noted. Results: A total of 360 babies were studied, of which 180 were term asphyxiated and 180 were term healthy babies. The prevalence of birth asphyxia was 34.9 cases per 1000 live births. 85.56 % of asphyxiated babies had signs of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. The antenatal and intranasal risk factors found to be significantly associated with birth asphyxia in the present study were, primiparous mother, less than 4 antenatal check-ups, anaemia during pregnancy, oligoamnios, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, prolonged labour, cord complications, meconium stained amniotic fluid and forceps delivery. Common neonatal complications observed were seizures (44.2%), respiratory distress (34.3%), shock (30.8%) and hypoglycaemia. The mortality rate of birth asphyxia babies was 27.64%. Mean duration of hospital stay was 9.08 ± 4.77days.Conclusions: Counselling of all pregnant women on antenatal care, timely referral of high risk pregnancies for institutional deliveries and improving the facilities and h