Study of biochemical asphyxia at birth
Chowdhary, J.; Narang, A.; Bhakoo, O.N.
Indian Pediatrics 24(1): 63-68
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 2822578 Document Number: 290437
In a prospective study of 100 newborn babies of various gestational ages, cord blood gas analysis was done at birth with a view to find out the immediate problems, outcome and long term neurological sequelae of biochemical and clinical asphyxia. 43% babies were acidotic at birth, of which 42% had normal Apgar score. Depending on cord blood pH and base excess values, biochemical asphyxia was classified as mild, moderate and severe; babies with moderate to severe biochemical asphyxia alone had developmental delay on follow up. High morbidity and mortality was seen in babies with gestation of 32 weeks or below having biochemical asphyxia. Based on these observations, sodium bicarbonate therapy is recommended in babies requiring intermittent positive pressure breathing for more than 3 minutes and in term with meconium stained liquor and/or fetal heart rate abnormalities.