Title: Prediction of Neonatal Seizures in HIE by APGAR Score and Umbilical Cord Blood pH
Authors: Dr G.Kiruthiga, Dr S.Saravanan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i4.17
Abstract
Background: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) due to Perinatal asphyxia is one of the commonest cause of symptomatic seizures in newborn period. In fact, about two-thirds of cases of neonatal seizures are due to HIE. The present study was aimed at determining the role of APGAR score and Umbilical cord pH to predict the occurrence of neonatal seizures in HIE.
Methods: An observational hospital based prospective study was conducted at the inborn NICU of Rajah Muthiah Medical College Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu from July 2017 to December 2017. 50 inborn term asphyxiated newborns, admitted in the NICU were enrolled as cases. Conventional APGAR Scoring and umbilical cord blood gas analysis were done in the study population soon after birth. The study population was observed for occurrence of neonatal seizures in the first 24 hours of life. The results were analyzed statistically.
Results: The mean APGAR score at 1 min, 5 min and mean cord blood pH in asphyxiated babies with no neonatal seizures were 3.36±0.85, 5.75±0.41 and 7.25±0.11; In asphyxiated babies who developed neonatal seizures, the mean APGAR score at 1 min, 5min and mean cord blood pH were 2.59±0.40, 3.66±0.70 and 6.96±0.09, respectively. Correlation coefficients of APGAR 1 min, 5 min and cord blood pH to predict neonatal seizures in asphyxiated babies were -0.633,-0.666 and -0.624.
Conclusions: Conventional APGAR score, along with Umbilical cord blood pH can be used to predict the occurrence of neonatal seizures in perinatal asphyxia. APGAR score and cord blood pH are inversely related with occurrence of neonatal seizures in perinatal asphyxia.
Keywords: Neonatal seizures, APGAR score, Umbilical cord blood gas, HIE, Perinatal asphyxia.
