Incidence Of Birth Asphyxia Research Articles

Initial Steps in Resuscitation of Suspected Birth Asphyxia in the Context of Nursing and Midwifery: A Quantitative Study in Upper East Region of Ghana

Background: A newborn’s inability to initiate and maintain breathing immediately after birth is referred to as birth asphyxia. In developed countries, the incidence of Birth Asphyxia is 2 per 1000 births, but in developing countries, the rate can be up to 10 times higher than that figure. Globally, 130 million babies are born each year, with Birth Asphyxia accounting for 20.9 percent of all neonatal deaths occurring within the first four weeks of life during this period. Approximately 10% of these babies require some form of assistance to breathe when they are born. Nurses and midwives must have a high level of expertise in the management of birth asphyxia in order to avoid further complications. Methods: A quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used to assess the management of Birth Asphyxia among Nurses and Midwives at the maternity department of War Memorial Hospital. Convenient sampling technique was used to select study subjects and the sample size was determined using sample size determination table. Results: Of the total 80, 79 (98.8%) of the respondents had knowledge on the standard guidelines and protocols for the management of Birth Asphyxia. Nurses and midwives who were trained, thus 60 out of the total 80 respondents (75%), were more likely to have knowledge of Birth Asphyxia management as compared to those who didn’t get training. The study revealed that 98.8% of nurses and midwives had knowledge of birth asphyxia management. Conclusions: More than half of these health professionals had training on the management of Birth Asphyxia. Frequent trainings were recommended to improve knowledge of nurses and midwives on Birth Asphyxia management.

Comparing the occurrence rate of gestational hypertension during pregnancy with frozen embryo transfer and natural pregnancy.

Recent researches have indicated that pregnancies with frozen embryo transfer are associated with the increment of risk of maternal and neonatal complications, especially hypertension during pregnancy. The present study aimed to compare the occurrence rate of gestational hypertension in pregnancy with frozen embryo transfer and normal pregnancy. This research, as a retrospective cross-sectional study, was performed on pregnant women with frozen embryo transfer (n = 97) and women with normal pregnancies (n = 164) referring to medical centers under the supervision of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Women aged 18-35 were included in the study after week 20th of pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia), preterm birth (before the week 37th), low birth weight (lower than 2500 g), neonatal asphyxia (Apgar score >7 in minute 5th), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. The association between frozen embryo transfer and pregnancy outcomes was evaluated using multiple logistic regressions. The findings of this study indicated that pregnancy hypertension was observed in 23 people (23.7%) from the frozen embryo transfer group vs. 18 people (11.0%) from the normal pregnancy group (P = 0.006). Frozen embryo transfer pregnancy has a higher risk of gestational hypertension (OR = 2.521, 95% CI: 1.281-4.962; P = 0.007), preterm birth (OR = 2.264, 95% CI: 1.335-3.840; P = 0.002), and low birth weight (OR = 2.017, 95% CI: 1.178-3.455; P = 0.011). However, the incidence of birth asphyxia (P = 0.850), intrauterine growth restriction (P = 0.068), first-trimester bleeding (P = 0.809), and placenta accreta (P = 0.143) did not show a significant difference between two types of normal pregnancy and frozen embryo transfer pregnancy. Frozen embryo transfer pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of maternal and neonatal complications, hypertension, preterm birth, and low birth weight compared to natural and spontaneous pregnancies.

Epidemiology of Caesarean section on maternal request in Australia: A population-based study

ObjectiveTo explore the trends, determinants, and short-term maternal and neonatal health outcomes of Caesarean section on maternal request (CSMR). DesignPopulation-based record linkage study. SettingBirth registry data for all births in Queensland, Australia, from 2008 to 2017. ParticipantsPregnancies resulting in live or intrapartum stillbirth with >=20 gestational weeks and/or >=400 gm birth weight were the study population. The analytic sample was restricted to low-risk pregnancies by excluding preterm, non-cephalic pregnancies with medical risk factors. MeasurementsCSMR was defined as a first-time C-section in singleton, term pregnancies with an ICD-10-AM code of O-82/O-47. CSMR trend was reported in age-standardised rate using a join-point regression model. The determinants and perinatal outcomes of CSMR were tested against Spontaneous vaginal births (VBs) and planned VBs including assisted VBs and emergency C-sections in this group. The generalised estimating equation technique was used for regression analysis and reported in the odds ratio (OR) at a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). FindingsOf total C-sections (n = 204,863), the average annual change in CSMR rate was 4.4% (95% CI: 2.1–6.7%, p<0.01) for the total pregnancies (N=613,375) Of the analytic sample (N=365568), nulliparous women with age ≥35 years (OR: 2.32,95% CI: 2.09–2.57), delivered at private hospitals (OR:4.90; 95% CI: 4.65–5.18); with mood disorders (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.88–2.43) were positive and midwives birth attendant (OR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.30) was negative influencing factors for CSMR. In a propensity score matched sample; CSMR observed an increasedrisk of anaesthetic complications (OR: 8.00; 95% CI:1.95–32.82) and slightly reduced odds of birth asphyxia (OR:0.20;95%CI:0.06–0.60)against planned VBs while the overall incidence of birth-asphyxia was low (1.29%) However, neonatal morbidities (OR:1.61; 95% CI:1–2.59) and special care admission (OR:2.15; 95% CI:1.03–4.5) were higher after CSMR in comparison to SVBs ConclusionDespite being linked with adverse perinatal health outcomes, the incidence of CSMR increased 1.75-fold during the past 10 years. Maternal educational interventions to provide adequate information, including the long-term risks and benefits of C-sections, can help reduce the growing rates of CSMR.

Comparative evaluation of placental elasticity in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension and its association with uterine artery pulsatility index and fetal outcome

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with significant maternal as well as fetal morbidity and untreated cases may be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. It brings about various histological and morphological changes in the placenta such as infarcts, fibrosis, and calcification thereby affecting the well-being of fetus. Detection of it at an early stage is important from the point of view of management as early intervention is associated with improved maternal and fetal outcome. Shear wave elastography (SWE) of placenta is a non-invasive investigation that can detect changes in placental elasticity during the pregnancy. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the difference in values of placental elasticity in normal pregnancy and in clinically diagnosed cases of PIH and to study its association with uterine artery-pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and fetal outcome. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective and observational study in which pregnant females with gestational age of 20–34 weeks who were referred to radiology department for routine sonography including the clinically diagnosed pregnancies with PIH were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 106 individuals were included in the study, B-mode sonography, uterine artery Doppler, and placental SWE were performed in all these patients. All these pregnancies were followed up for the fetal outcome. Results: The mean gestational age of the studied cases was found to be 26.51±4.415 weeks. Higher SWE values were found, as compared to the normal pregnancies, in pregnancies complicated by PIH and the difference was found to be statistically highly significant (P&lt;0.001). Placental SWE showed a strong association with UtA-PI and fetal outcome. Incidence of adverse fetal outcome such as preterm deliveries, intrauterine death, stillbirths, and small for gestational age babies was more commonly seen in PIH group and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.005). Incidence of birth asphyxia (as determined by low APGAR score) and neonatal intensive care unit admissions was more in neonates born to patients with PIH as compared to those in healthy women and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.005). Conclusion: SWE has the potency to detect the changes in placental morphology and can help with diagnosis of pregnancies complicated with PIH. It does have a synergistic role to play alongside the uterine artery Doppler and clinical parameters to predict the pregnancies with PIH.

A multicenter study of incidence, risk factors and outcomes of babies with birth asphyxia in Nepal

BackgroundPerinatal events which result in compromised oxygen delivery to the fetus can lead to Birth Asphyxia (BA). While the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of BA have been characterized, less is known in low resource settings.AimTo determine the incidence of Birth Asphyxia (BA) in Nepal and to evaluate associated risk factors and outcomes of this condition.MethodsA nested observational study was conducted in 12 hospitals of Nepal for a period of 14 months. Babies diagnosed as BA at ≥37 weeks of gestation were identified and demographics were reviewed. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression followed by multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe incidence of BA in this study was 6 per 1000 term livebirths and was higher among women 35 years and above. Predictors for BA were instrumented vaginal delivery (aOR:4.4, 95% CI, 3.1–6.1), fetal distress in labour (aOR:1.9, 95% CI, 1.0–3.6), malposition (aOR:1.8, 95% CI, 1.0–3.0), birth weight less than 2500 g (aOR:2.0, 95% CI, 1.3–2.9), gestational age ≥ 42 weeks (aOR:2.0, 95% CI, 1.3–3.3) and male gender (aOR:1.6, 95% CI, 1.2–2.0). The risk of pre-discharge mortality was 43 times higher in babies with BA (aOR:42.6, 95% CI, 32.2–56.3).ConclusionThe incidence of Birth asphyxia in Nepal higher than in more resourced setting. A range of obstetric and neonatal risk factors are associated with BA with an associated high risk of pre-discharge mortality. Interventions to improve management and decrease rates of BA could have marked impact on outcomes in low resource settings.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Neonates with Birth Asphyxia - A Hospital Based Study

Introduction: Each year approximately 4 million babies are born asphyxiated, which results in 1 million deaths and an equal number of serious neurological sequelae. One of the commonest organs involved in birth asphyxia is brain which may lead to a syndrome of clinical manifestation called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).&#x0D; Aims: To find out possible maternal and neonatal risk factors for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, to analyze clinical presentations and outcome of HIE in asphyxiated newborns.&#x0D; Methods: Hospital based observational study was carried out among fifty newborns with Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute of life admitted in Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur, Banke.&#x0D; Results: The incidence of birth asphyxia and birth asphyxia with HIE were 37.2 per 1000 live births and 14 per 1000 live births with male: female ratio of 1.27:1. Most of the neonates 22(44%) were in HIE stage II. Meconium stained amniotic fluid 18 (36%) was the most common intrapartum risk factor followed by maternal use of intrapartum medications 14 (28%), Premature Rupture of Membrane (PROM) 8 (16%), prolonged labor 5 (10%) and obstructed labor 6 (12%). Four (8%) asphyxiated neonates with HIE had cord prolapse and 7 (14%) had cord around the neck. The most common resuscitation done was bag and mask ventilation (56%) (P&lt;0.05). Majority of the studied neonates were of normal birth weight (76%) and head circumference (84%) (P&lt;0.05) with clinical presentations of respiratory distress (88%), seizures (44%), apnea (22%), bradycardia (8%), tachycardia (6%) and bulged anterior fontanel (6%). The overall mortality of neonates with HIE was 20% of which most were of HIE stage III.&#x0D; Conclusion: Certain measures could be taken to prevent birth asphyxia: early detection and intervention of high risk pregnancy, prompt and effective resuscitation of asphyxiates newborns.

Neonatal Outcomes in Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid Delivery: A Rural Perspective

Introduction: Presence of meconium in amniotic fluid is a potentially serious sign of foetal compromise and has demonstrated that the incidence of MSAF rises with gestational age. The incidences of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with various neonatal disorders were higher in pregnancies complicated by MSAF. Aim: To study clinical profile and outcomes in neonates born through MSAF at tertiary care hospital in rural area of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a total of 4462 infants who were admitted in the NICU of Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh from December 2017 to January 2020. All pre-term, term and post-term infants, delivered normally or by caesarean section or instrumental delivery, with MSAF, were included in the study. A detailed ante-natal, natal and postnatal history was taken for the neonates to detect the aetiology of MSAF, type and duration of delivery and any complications Post delivery. All the clinical assessment and lab investigations, X-ray assessments were done for the subjects as and when required. The observations were noted along with the treatment given. Results: Out of 4462 infants admitted in study period, 436(9.78%) had MSAF and 96 (22.01%) developed Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). MSAF infants born by Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) formed 220 (50.46%), Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) 176 (40.37%) and 40 (9.17%) instrumental delivery. MAS infants born by LSCS formed 38 (21.59%), NVD 52 (23.63%) and instrumental delivery 6 (15%).The mean gestational age was 38-40 weeks. MAS developed in 18 (50%) infants with gestational age &gt;42 weeks, 12 (12%) between 40-42 weeks and 50 (23.36%) between 38-40 weeks (significant relationship, p-value 0.012). The mean birth weight was 2.599±441 kg. MAS developed more in infants of birth weight 2-2.499 kg and least were of birth weight between 1.5-1.999 kg. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Thick MSAF was seen in 160 (36.69%) and thin MSAF in 276 (63.31%) infants (p-value 0.001). In MAS infants, 82 had thick and 14 thin MSAF. Among MSAF alone infants (n=340), 142 (41.75%) were associated with birth asphyxia. Among MAS infants, incidence of birth asphyxia was 66 (68.75%). Thirty eight MAS infants developed complications. Pneumothorax was the most common complication. Overall, mortality was 160 (36.69%). MAS contributed to 22.5% of these deaths. A 60 (62.5%) MAS infants were discharged and 36 (37.5%) died. Conclusion: MAS was most consistently associated with thick MSAF. Preventive measures like timely evaluation of high risk factors, preparedness for untoward intrapartum events and close monitoring of MSAF infants can be taken to minimise the mortality and morbidity rates, because it is a global problem especially in under-developed countries.

Birthweight is an independent predictor of birth asphyxia in twins: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study of 5337 Chinese twins

ObjectiveFew studies are available on birth asphyxia risks in twin neonates. This retrospective multi-center cross-sectional study determined the birthweight percentiles of 5337twins and birth asphyxia incidence of the twin population. MethodsWe retrieved sociodemographic and obstetric data from the electronic records systems of participating centers. Neonate birthweight was measured within 24 h of birth. Perinatal asphyxia was diagnosed if 5-minute Apgar score was ≤5, or resuscitation was required 10 min after birth. The primary outcome was the incidence of birth asphyxia. ResultsTotally 5337 neonates were eligible. The mean neonatal birthweight was 2227.1 ± 608.99 g and the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles of birthweight were 970, 2400, and 3080 g, respectively. The mean Apgar score was 9.06 ± 1.73 at 1 min and 8.99 ± 1.74 at 5 min. Totally 13.5 % (705/5222) twins had asphyxia and 9.35 % and 4.16 % twins had moderate and severe asphyxia, respectively. Twins with a birthweight< 1500 g had the highest asphyxia rate (64.8 %) and twins with a birthweight between 2500 and 3000 g had the lowest asphyxia rate (3.6 %). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that higher birthweight was associated with a significantly reduced risk of asphyxia [OR 0.772 (95 %CI 0.755, 0.789), P < 0.001]. The AUROC for mean twin birthweight was 0.86±0.01 (95 %CI 0.84, 0.88) using a cutoff of 1950 g, with a sensitivity of 0.84 and a specificity of 0.78. ConclusionTwins have lower birthweight versus singletons and a significant proportion of twins, especially twins with lower birthweight, are at risk of birth asphyxia. Birthweight is an independent predictor of asphyxia and should be further explored as a predictive marker for stratifying asphyxia risks in twin neonates.

Assessing the changes in childbirth care practices and neonatal outcomes in Western China: pre-comparison and post-comparison study on early essential newborn care interventions

ObjectiveTo explore the changes in childbirth care practices and health outcomes of newborns after the introduction of early essential newborn care (EENC).DesignA pre-comparison and post-comparison study.SettingThe study was conducted in...

Maternal Risk Factors and Short Term Outcome of Prematurity: A Descriptive Study at a Secondary Care Hospital

Background: Approximately 15 million babies are born premature (before 37 weeks of gestation) and 1 million babies die due to prematurity complications every year. Less is known about risk factors of prematurity in middle and low-income countries. The prevalence of prematurity ranges from 5% - 18%. Objective: To determine the prevalence of premature births and to assess the rate of survival, along with the morbidity, among preterm newborns. Furthermore, to document our experience with different gestational age groups of preterm births; and to analyze the association among these strata and their clinical outcomes. Study Design: A descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan Maternal and Childcare Centre Hyderabad, Pakistan, from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2018. Methodology: All pregnant women registered at the obstetric clinic before 24 weeks of gestation having at least three subsequent visits at the same clinic were included in the study. The women who were lost to follow up before completing three visits were excluded from the study. All un-booked women were also excluded from the study. Demographic profile was recorded including maternal age, parity, no of visits at the clinic, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight and pregnancy outcome. Newborns were subsequently followed at nursery or well-baby till discharge. Further subgroups were made for gestational age to assess the frequency of various morbidities in each group. Results: One thousand and ninety-one (1091) women were included in the study period that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two pregnancies were terminated before 24 weeks due to major congenital malformations. The prevalence of prematurity was recorded as 13.4% (146/1089). Perinatal mortality rate (no of stillbirths plus the number of early neonatal death/1000 live birth) was 17 (15.6/1000 live births) out of them, 12 were still births and 5 were early neonatal death. Out of the total preterm babies born, 59.5% (87/146) were admitted to the nursery. In the study group (2%/3146) were extreme preterm, while 7.5% were severe preterm (11/146). Moderate preterm was 11.6% (17/146) and the majority were late preterm accounting for 78.7% (115/146). Though the incidence of birth asphyxia were noted more in late preterm babies i.e. 10 as the number of these babies are also high in our study but the overall percentage was low (8.7%) as compared with the babies of extreme prematurity (100%) and moderate late prematurity (23.5%) respectively. In pregnancy outcome, 12 were still births in which six (50%) were in the late preterm group. Total of 17 newborns suffered from birth asphyxia in which ten newborns (58.8%) were in late preterm group. Overall, it was noted that the decreasing gestational age was directly correlated to morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Among the different strata, the late preterm group has been observed to be associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Prior awareness of the morbidities associated with late preterm babies is helpful for the health care providers to anticipate and manage potential complications in preterm infants.

Use and completion of partograph during labour is associated with a\xa0reduced incidence of birth asphyxia: a retrospective study at a peri-urban setting in Ghana

BackgroundMorbidity of birth asphyxia has been estimated to be 42 million disability-adjusted life years. The study sought to assess the impact of the use and completion of partograph during labour on reducing birth asphyxia at the St Anthony’s Hospital, Dzodze, in the Volta Region of Ghana.MethodsA retrospective study design using a quantitative approach was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 200 folders of labouring women who were admitted and delivered at St Anthony’s Hospital, Dzodze, between 1st May 2015 and 30th April 2016. A structured checklist, which was developed by using labour and foetal monitoring parameters based on the standards of the World Health Organization partograph usage, was used to review all the 200 existing maternal records.ResultsThe findings revealed that partographs were used by midwives at St Anthony’s Hospital with the majority of the maternal folders fully completed. The use and completion of partograph were found to be associated with less non-asphyxiated birth outcomes. Labours which were monitored with partograph were 4.29 times less likely to result in birth asphyxia [AOR (95% CI) 4.29 (1.35–14.81)], and those that were monitored with a completed partograph were 5.3 times less likely to result in birth asphyxia [AOR (95% CI) 5.31 (2.011–16.04)].ConclusionMidwives used partographs during labour at St Anthony’s Hospital. The use and completion of partograph were significantly associated with a reduced incidence of birth asphyxia at the hospital. Birth asphyxia could be reduced if partographs are used and completed by midwives during labour in all cases.

Risk factors for mortality in birth asphyxia of outborn neonates: A prospective observational study

Background: Birth asphyxia accounts for around 23% of annual neonatal deaths in the developing world. Objective: To assess the risk factors for death in outborn neonates with birth asphyxia. Method: A one year prospective observational cohort study was undertaken in a tertiary care teaching government hospital in India. All outborn referral neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia were included. Demographic, maternal and neonatal factors were included and analysed. Results: Incidence of birth asphyxia was 17.3% with a male: female ratio of 1.3:1. Ninety five percent mothers received antenatal care and 98% were delivered at either primary or secondary health care level institutes. Mean distance travelled by baby was 89.42±69.36 km. One hundred and twenty two (68%) mothers were anaemic, 45 (25%) had systemic hypertension and 75 (42%) had preeclampsia/eclampsia. One hundred and forty (78%) babies were term and 103 (57%) had average birth weights. A history of not crying at birth was available in 95% neonates who were resuscitated by paramedical person and medical officers. Case fatality rate was 40.6%. Average duration of hospital stay of non-survivors was 4.35±2.98 days compared to 9.07±4.85 days in surviving neonates (P p =0.01), maternal anaemia (OR 3.07, CI 1.12-8.41, p =0.02), neonates requiring resuscitation (OR 0.26, CI 0.10-0.68, p =0.006), neonates presenting with convulsions (OR 4.46, CI 1.46-12.16, p =0.003) or cyanosis ( p p =0.004) and neonates in HIE stage III (OR 1.60, CI 1.04-2.46, p =0.03) were the risk factors for mortality in asphyxiated neonates. Conclusions: The case fatality rate was 40.6% among outborn referral neonates with birth asphyxia in this study. Unbooked mothers, maternal anaemia, neonates requiring resuscitation, neonates presenting with convulsions or cyanosis, prolonged capillary refill time and neonates in HIE stage III were risk factors for mortality in asphyxiated outborn neonates.

Failure to establish spontaneous breathing at birth: A 5-year longitudinal study of newborns admitted for birth asphyxia in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of death in neonates and long-term neurodevelopmental disability in children. Identification of risk factors and implementing adequate obstetric care could help prevent its occurrence, thus averting the psychosocial and economic burden of the disease on family and society. Materials and Methods: This 5-year longitudinal study enrolled newborns admitted for birth asphyxia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital and followed them up until discharge or death. Multi-level regression analysis was used to determine the factors that predicted the outcome in the admitted newborn. Results: Two thousand four hundred and fifty newborns were admitted into the NICU during the study period, and 180 were managed for birth asphyxia which resulted to an in-hospital incidence rate of 73.5 per 1000 admitted newborns (95% confidence interval 63.1—84.2). The mean age at presentation was 1.51 ± 1.59 days and mean birth weight at admission was 3.05 ± 0.67 kg. There was no significant difference in the mean age at presentation (T = 0.412, P = 0.681) and weight at admission (T = 1.295, P = 0.197) between neonates who survived and those who did not. Significant predictive association was seen between management outcome and maternal and neonate socio-demographic parameters such as gestational age at birth (P = 0.020), maternal occupation (P = 0.041), place of birth (P = 0.020), and asphyxiation score at presentation (P = 0.024). Prolonged labor (45.6%), obstructed labor (10.4%), and prematurity (8.0%) were the most common causes of asphyxiation encountered in surveyed neonates. No cause was obvious in 12% of cases. Conclusion: The incidence of birth asphyxia is unacceptably high in our setting. Practical and hands-on measures to control modifiable risk factors and prevention of causes identified in this study need to be sustained to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with birth asphyxia in resource-limited settings like ours.

Etiological Factors&amp; Clinical Courses of Birth Asphyxia in Rural and Urban Population of Kishanganj District.

Problem statement : perinatal asphyxia, neonatal or birth asphyxia is a medical condition from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant long enough during the process to cause physical usually to the brain. And it is almost all neonatal deaths occur in our rural and urban area. Where the majority is delivered at homes with negligible antenatal care and poor prenatal services.Methods: In this collaborative study conducted prospective, descriptive study. As a case of 150 newborn babies and as a control 1190 newborn babies are fulfilled the selection criteria for prenatal and birth asphyxia .Results: Incidence of birth asphyxia in relation to ante partum and intrapartum factors. And shows that mother with complication like eclampsia, APH, PROM, cord accidents, failed progress of labor, obstructive labor &amp; prolong 2nd stage of labor, etc were more likely to deliver asphyxiated baby, and analysis of maternal risk factors for birth asphyxia. Many pathological, biochemical &amp; metabolic changes occurs as a result of birth asphyxia. And the data were analyzed by slandered statistical test, namely, Z test, Chi square test, and uniovariate and ultivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factor.Conclusion: In our study it was observed that, Pregnancy related complication in rural &amp; urban population of Kishanganj district was mostly Eclampsia, pre-eclamptic toxaemia, Oligohydramnios, PROM(M24hr) etc. To prevent birth asphyxia trained personal and neonatal resuscitation equipment should be mandatory in all maternity home/hospital because prevention is the best and be only option to reduce the Pre natal &amp; birth asphyxia.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(4) 2017 p.554-556

Understanding the Full Spectrum of Organ Injury Following Intrapartum Asphyxia.

Birth asphyxia is a significant global health problem, responsible for ~1.2 million neonatal deaths each year worldwide. Those who survive often suffer from a range of health issues including brain damage—manifesting as cerebral palsy (CP)—respiratory insufficiency, cardiovascular collapse, and renal dysfunction, to name a few. Although the majority of research is directed toward reducing the brain injury that results from intrapartum birth asphyxia, the multi-organ injury observed in surviving neonates is of equal importance. Despite the advent of hypothermia therapy for the treatment of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), treatment options following asphyxia at birth remain limited, particularly in low-resource settings where the incidence of birth asphyxia is highest. Furthermore, although cooling of the neonate results in improved neurological outcomes for a small proportion of treated infants, it does not provide any benefit to the other organ systems affected by asphyxia at birth. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the multi-organ effects of intrapartum asphyxia, with particular reference to the findings from our laboratory using the precocial spiny mouse to model birth asphyxia. Furthermore, we reviewed the current treatments available for neonates who have undergone intrapartum asphyxia, and highlight the emergence of maternal dietary creatine supplementation as a preventative therapy, which has been shown to provide multi-organ protection from birth asphyxia-induced injury in our preclinical studies. This cheap and effective nutritional supplement may be the key to reducing birth asphyxia-induced death and disability, particularly in low-resource settings where current treatments are unavailable.

Challenges and opportunities for neonatal respiratory support in Nigeria: a case for regionalisation of care

Background: Neonatal health appears not to have received the deserved attention in the context of the Child Survival Strategies and this must have contributed to the non-attainment of the MDG-4 in Nigeria. Neonatal mortality contributes 40% or more to the current rate of child deaths globally, with birth asphyxia, prematurity and its complications and severe infections as the leading causes. This emphasises the need to re-focus on neonatal health. Given the state of the economy in the low- and middle-income countries, Nigeria, like most of the other countries lack the resources required for efficient neonatal health care with minimal attention on the strategies needed to address the major causes of newborn death. Objectives: To assess the contemporary situation of neonatal care in Benin City, Nigeria and examine diverse approaches to be adopted to provide high level neonatal care services aimed at improving neonatal survival rates. Methods: The trends of neonatal morbidities and mortality over the period between 1974 and 2014 were studied by reviewing the hospital records covering admissions and weekly mortality records. The pattern of categories of babies and the causes of death were recorded. The information gathered identified the gaps in the management strategies for newborns over the years. Electronic databases such as the Medline and Pubmed were searched for relevant literatures published between 1960 and 2015 which might provide ideas required to fill the gaps. Results: In the 1974-1976 era, the major cause of neonatal mortality at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria, was birth asphyxia with an attendant perinatal mortality of 80.9/1000 births. The decline in the perinatal mortality to 33.4/1000 births between 1976 and 1980 was linked to the introduction of delivery room resuscitation with a reciprocal decline in the incidence of birth asphyxia. Thereafter, neonatal mortality rate has continued to increase. This increase could be attributed to a three-fold rise in the proportion of very preterm admissions from 6.5% in 1985 to 19.3% in 2013. This population of babies is predisposed to Respiratory Distress Syndrome and respiratory failure. Neonatal intensive care did not include respiratory supports until very recently (2013) when the facilities were provided but at high cost to the patient and the health system. Conclusion: The strategies required to address reduction in neonatal mortality rates should necessarily include neonatal resuscitation and mechanical ventilation, all within the context of Neonatal Intensive Care. In order to provide the full range of neonatal intensive care services in a resource- constrained setting such as Benin City, Nigeria, regionalisation of care in a stepwise manner is recommended, both for improved medical outcomes and economic realities. Keywords: Challenges, Neonatal ventilatory support, Regionalisation of care

Study of Length of Umbilical Cord at Term and Its Correlation with Fetal Outcome: A Study of 500 Deliveries

ABSTRACT Introduction Umbilical cord plays an important role in the life of the fetus. Though variations in shape and other features of umbilical cord are common, some variations can adversely affect the pregnancy outcomes. Aims and objectives The aim of our study was to study the correlation between the length of the umbilical cord in term gestation evaluated after birth and fetal outcome. Materials and methods This study was carried out on 500 patients admitted in our hospital. It was a prospective study. In this study, the length of umbilical cord was measured after delivery in subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Examination of umbilical cord was done regarding the presence of any loop around neck, trunk, number of loops of cord and positions, presence of true or false knots of cord, or any other cord abnormalities, such as cord varix and cord hematoma. Fetal parameters regarding sex, weight, and length of the newborn and Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (Apgar) score at 1 and 5 minutes were measured and its correlation with umbilical cord parameters was studied. Results In our study, the cord length varied from 16 to 144 cm. The mean cord length was 64.2 cm (±17.26 cm) and mean cord thickness was 1.21 cm (±0.39 cm). Maximum cases seen were in the group of cord length between 50 and 59 cm (27.8%). Lower sixth percentile was considered as short cord and upper sixth percentile was considered as long cord. A positive correlation existed between the cord length and birth weight and placental weight and body length of the newborn. There was no significant difference between sex of the fetuses and the cord length. Abnormal cord length cases (long and short group) have higher incidences of cord complications, and hence there was increased incidence of operative interference in such cases. The cases of long cord group had maximum number of lower segment cesarean section (46.43%). The significance was tested by using a chi-square test, and it was found to be statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of birth asphyxia (21%) was significantly more in long and short cords as compared with normal length cords (p &lt; 0.01). How to cite this article Sharma S, Soliriya V. Study of Length of Umbilical Cord at Term and Its Correlation with Fetal Outcome: A Study of 500 Deliveries. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(3):207-211.

The impact of an intervention package promoting effective neonatal resuscitation training in rural China

ObjectiveTo evaluate an intervention package promoting effective neonatal resuscitation training at county level hospitals across China. MethodsThe intervention package was implemented across 4 counties and included expert seminars, training workshops, establishment of hospital-based resuscitation teams, and supervision of training by national and provincial instructors. Upon completing the activities, a survey was conducted in all county hospitals in the 4 intervention counties and 4 randomly selected control counties. Data on healthcare providers’ knowledge and self-confidence, and incidence of deaths from birth asphyxia from 2009 to 2011 in all hospitals were collected and compared between the two groups. ResultsEleven intervention and eleven control hospitals participated in the evaluation, with 97 and 87 health providers, respectively, completing the questionnaire survey. Over 90% of intervention hospitals had implemented neonatal resuscitation related practice protocols, while in control hospitals the proportion was less than 55%. The average knowledge scores of health providers in the intervention and control counties taking a written exam were 9.2±1.2 and 8.4±1.5, respectively (P<0.001) out of maximum possible score of 10, and the average self-confidence scores were 57.3±2.5 and 54.1±8.2, respectively (P<0.001). Incidence of birth asphyxia (defined as 1-min Apgar score≤7) decreased from 8.8% to 6.0% (P<0.001) in the intervention counties, and asphyxia-related deaths in the delivery room decreased from 27.6 to 5.0 per 100,000 (P=0.076). There was no difference over time in asphyxia rates for the control counties. ConclusionsThe intervention has not only improved skills of health providers, decreased the mortality and morbidity of birth asphyxia, but also resulted in effective implementation of guidelines and protocols within hospitals.

Risk factors for birth asphyxia in an urban health facility in cameroon.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 million children are born with asphyxia every year, of which 1 million die and an equal number survive with severe neurologic sequelae. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors of birth asphyxia and the hospital outcome of affected neonates. This study was a prospective case-control study on term neonates in a tertiary hospital in Yaounde, with an Apgar score of < 7 at the 5th minute as the case group, that were matched with neonates with an Apgar score of ≥ 7 at the 5th minute as control group. Statistical analysis of relevant variables of the mother and neonates was carried out to determine the significant risk factors. The prevalence of neonatal asphyxia was 80.5 per 1000 live births. Statistically significant risk factors were the single matrimonial status, place of antenatal visits, malaria, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, prolonged labor, arrest of labour, prolonged rupture of membranes, and non-cephalic presentation. Hospital mortality was 6.7%, that 12.2% of them had neurologic deficits and/or abnormal transfontanellar ultrasound/electroencephalogram on discharge, and 81.1% had a satisfactory outcome. The incidence of birth asphyxia in this study was 80.5% per1000 live birth with a mortality of 6.7%. Antepartum risk factors were: place of antenatal visit, malaria during pregnancy, and preeclampsia/eclampsia. Whereas prolonged labor, stationary labor, and term prolonged rupture of membranes were intrapartum risk faktors. Preventive measures during prenatal visits through informing and communicating with pregnant women should be reinforced.

Study of Length of Umbilical Cord and Fetal Outcome: A Study of 1,000 Deliveries

To study the correlation of umbilical cord length with fetal parameters like Apgar score, sex, weight, and length, and its effect on labor outcome. Prospective study of 1,000 cases. Government Hospital. Examination of umbilical cord was done for any loop around neck, trunk, etc; no. of loops of cord and positions; Knots of cord (True or false), any cord abnormalities. Fetal parameters recorded were sex, weight, and length of the newborn. Fetal outcome studied by Apgar score at 1 and 5min. In our study, the cord length varied from 24 to 124cm. The mean cord length was 63.86cm (±15.69cm). Maximum cases seen were in the group of cord length between 51 and 60cm. Lower 5th percentile was considered as short cord and upper 5th percentile was considered as long cord. Short-cord group was associated with significantly higher (p<0.05) incidence of LSCS cases. Cord length did not vary according to the weight, length, and sex of the baby. The incidence of all types of cord complications increases as the cord length increases (p<0.001*). Nuchal cords had higher mean cord length than in cases without nuchal cords (p<0.001). As the number of loops in a nuchal cord increases to more than two loops, the operative interference increases. The significance was tested by using a Chi-square test, and it was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Nuchal cords were seen to be associated with more cases of fetal heart abnormalities (p<0.001). There is higher incidence of variability in fetal heart rate with extremes of cord length (p<0.001). The incidence of birth asphyxia was significantly more in long and short cords as compared to cords with normal cord length (p<0.001). The present study showed that the length of umbilical cord is variable; however, maximum number of cases had normal cord length. Cases which had short and long cords constituted abnormal cord length. These cases had higher incidence of cord complications, increased incidence of operative interference, intrapartum complications, increased fetal heart rate abnormalities, and more chances of birth asphyxia. But cord length did not vary according to the weight, length, and sex of the baby.