An Evaluation of Risk Factors in Cases of Perinatal Asphyxia

Abstract

Aim: To determine the demographic characteristics of cases followed up with a diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia and to examine the risk factors in these cases. Material and Method: This retrospective study included 81 cases diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia and applied with hypothermia therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary level hospital between June 2018 and January 2020. The demographic characteristics of the cases and data related to perinatal risk factors were collected from the patient files and were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: When the pregnancy follow-up of the mothers was examined, 43.2% had attended antenatal examinations and 56.8% had not had regular follow-up. Delivery was by caesarean section in 24 (29.6%) cases and the normal spontaneous vaginal route in 57 (70.4%) cases. Risk factors determined before the birth were fetal bradycardia in 10 (10.1%) cases, pre-eclampsia in 5 (5.1%) cases, and gestational diabetes mellitus in 7 (7.1%) cases. Birth complications were recorded as prolonged difficult labour in 42 (42.4%) cases, cord prolapse in 7 (7.1%), abruptio placentae in 6 (6.1%) and amniotic fluid with meconium in 7 (7.1%) cases. No risk factors for perinatal asphyxia were determined in 4 (4.0%) cases. Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia was observed at a higher rate in male gender infants and perinatal asphyxia was determined to develop more often in the infants of mothers who had not had antenatal follow-up. Of the known risk factors in the antenatal period and during the birth, difficult labour was observed at the highest rate.