Neonatal Asphyxia

Abstract

Neonatal Asphyxia may impose a major risk on the life and well-being of the newborn infant. The recognition of the four phases of Asphyxia at birth, I.e., primary hyperpnea, primary apnea secondary hyperpnea and secondary apnea, is of importance in employment of the appropriate treatment. The causes of Asphyxia may be operative intrauterine, natally or postnatally. Apgar score is a practical means of estimating the grade of severity of neonatal Asphyxia and its outcome. The treatment should employ mechanical ventilation, medical suppression of the convulsions and correction of the acidosis.