Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcome of Perinatal Asphyxia in Newborns at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi

Abstract

Perinatal asphyxia is a global neonatal problem, which significantly contributes to both neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of perinatal asphyxia in Makurdi, Nigeria. A retrospective review of clinical data of all newborns managed at the Special Care Baby Unit of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital over a 5 year period (January 2015-December 2019) was carried out using the research clinical data form. Maternal information including biodata, obstetric history, perinatal events as well as neonates' presentation and outcomes were reviewed. All inborn neonates with Apgar scores <7 at 5 min or out-born neonates with no recorded Apgar scores but with history of poor cry/inability to cry at birth were classified as asphyxiated. Out of the 1142 neonates admitted during the study period, 127 neonates had perinatal asphyxia with prevalence of 11.1%. Eighty-four (66.1%) of the newborns were males, while 43(33.9%) were females with male to female ratio of 1.95:1 Majority of the newborns(89.1%) were managed and discharged without early neurologic complications; eight survived with early neurologic complications, eight were discharged against medical advice, while 7 newborns died, giving a case fatality rate of 5.5%.Risk factors significantly associated were Meconium-stained amniotic fluid(P=0.002) ,fetal presentation (P=0.030),and birth attendants (P=0.001). The burden of perinatal asphyxia still persists in our environment. Associated factors in this study were meconium-stained liquor and unskilled birth attendants. Hence pregnant women should be encouraged to attend antenatal care and should ensure skilled birth attendants attend delivery with capacity to conduct safe delivery and institute neonatal resuscitation when necessary.