Variables that may affect the traditional signs of perinatal asphyxia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to prove if certain variables related to labour affect the traditional signs of perinatal asphyxia (cardiotocography records, Apgar score and the umbilical artery pH). This is an observational, multicentric, longitudinal, analytical, cohort study in pregnant women at term admitted to the delivery room of Hospital Infanta Cristina, Hospital de Fuenlabrada and Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda. Of all the variables under scrutiny, the onset of labour, parity, clamping the umbilical cord, gestational age, type of delivery, newborn weight and neonatal resuscitation have a significant relationship with the three signs of perinatal asphyxia. This study showed a relationship between the three signs and some of the studied variables, therefore recommending assessing them in the perinatal asphyxia diagnosis. Key words: Cardiotocography records, umbilical pH, Apgar score, perinatal asphyxia.