Asphyxia neonatorum: A clinical evaluation of 60 affected infants

Summary The study of 60 asphyxiated babies revealed the following conclusions: Maternal medication for obstetric analgesia should be used sparingly and the dose of pethidine should not be increased beyond 50 mg. Excess dose is an important cause of asphyxia neonatorum (5 cases). Neonates delivered by caesarian section had a high incidence of asphyxia and morbidity in the form of neurological manifestations. Abnormal foetal presentation raised the risk of asphyxia in neonates. The clinical evaluation by Apgar scoring at one and five minutes after birth may give some indication of possible neurological damage and may guide management. The prompt recognition and management of asphyxiated babies would prevent brain damage.