Asphyxia neonatorum - assessment of the infant at birth

Asphyxia neonatorum is defined as failure of a newborn infant to establish sustained respiration after its complete delivery. In 206 asphyxiated infants reviewed, details of the Apgar scores, time to sustained respiration and resuscitation required, were documented. The value of each of these observations, as well as that of the heart rate and acid-base status after birth, is assessed. From the findings definite recommendations for the routine assessment of the infant at birth are made.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 2139 (1974)