Intrauterine hipoxia and asphyxia at birth in a southern city of Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia at birth corresponds to the fourth cause of neonatal and perinatal death in Brazil, this data reflects the quality of care needed in maternity wards for the parturient and the newborn because it is preventable. Perinatal asphyxia is defined as there is an interruption in gas exchange or a damaged blood flow, leading to persistent hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the period before childbirth or intrapartum, which can lead to permanent lesions in several systems. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile of the occurrence of intrauterine hypoxia and neonatal asphyxia considering maternal and fetal factors in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, between the years 2008 to 2018. METHODS: Cross-sectional study where secondary data obtained on the DATASUS platform on the prevalence of intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia at birth in Pelotas, RS. Results: It was possible to observe that the prevalence was higher in male newborns, in cesarean deliveries that occurred in the private system. In addition, mortality was 15.75%, higher in the maternal age group between 25 and 29 years, in single pregnancies lasting 37 to 41 weeks and birth weight between 1.500 and 2.499 grams. The majority of deaths occurred before delivery. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia at birth is an important cause of preventable perinatal morbidity and mortality with prevalence in preterm newborns weighing less than 2.500 grams. It allows assessing the quality of care for pregnant women and newborns during prenatal and delivery.