
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Perinatal asphyxia
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Birth hypoxia; asphyxia neonatorum; birth asphyxia
Overview
Overview
Perinatal asphyxia is the medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen (hypoxia) to a newborn infant long enough to cause apparent harm.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
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Overview
Pathophysiology
It results most commonly from a drop in maternal blood pressure or interference during delivery with blood flow to the infant’s brain. This can occur due to inadequate circulation or perfusion, impaired respiratory effort, or inadequate ventilation.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Differentiating Perinatal asphyxia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Overview
Epidemiology and Demographics
Perinatal asphyxia happens in 2 to 10 per 1000 newborns that are born a term.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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Overview
Natural History
Complications
- Extreme degrees of asphyxia can cause cardiac arrest and death. If resuscitation is successful, the infant is usually transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit.
- Hypoxic damage can occur to most of the infant’s organs (heart, lungs, liver, gut, kidneys), but brain damage is of most concern and perhaps the least likely to quickly and completely heal. In severe cases, an infant may survive, but with damage to the brain manifested as developmental delay and spasticity.
Prognosis
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
