A Prospective Study on the Incidence, Risk Factors, and Short-Term Outcomes of Birth Asphyxia in Neonates (Code-T0120)

Introduction: Birth asphyxia remains a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. Early identification of risk factors and understanding short-term outcomes are critical for improving neonatal care and outcomes.

Aims and Objectives:

This study is carried out on asphyxiated term newborns admitted in NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, Department of Pediatrics, Ballari medical college and research centre, Ballari, Karnataka during the study period.

Primary Objective:

• To determine the short-term outcomes of neonates with birth asphyxia followed up till 6 months of age.

Secondary Objectives:

• To estimate the incidence of birth asphyxia in neonates.
• To identify the associated risk factors for birth asphyxia.

Methods: This prospective study included 200 neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia based on Apgar scores and clinical criteria over a 12-month period. Maternal and perinatal risk factors were documented, and neonatal outcomes were assessed over the first week of life. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify significant risk factors.

Results: The incidence of birth asphyxia was 18 per 1,000 live births. Significant maternal risk factors included prolonged labor (p < 0.01), maternal anemia (p = 0.02), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (p < 0.01). Perinatal factors such as meconium-stained amniotic fluid and non-reassuring fetal heart rates were also associated with increased risk. Short-term neonatal outcomes included respiratory distress (45%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (28%), and early neonatal mortality (10%). Logistic regression revealed that maternal anemia and prolonged labor were independent predictors of severe outcomes.

Conclusion: Birth asphyxia is associated with modifiable maternal and perinatal risk factors. Improved antenatal care and timely interventions during labor and delivery are essential to reduce its incidence and improve neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Birth Asphyxia, Neonates, Risk Factors, Incidence, Short-Term Outcomes, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.