Birth Asphyxia: by Anne E. Odaro MCM/2017/69852
Birth Asphyxia: by Anne E. Odaro MCM/2017/69852
Birth Asphyxia: by Anne E. Odaro MCM/2017/69852
BY ANNE E. ODARO
MCM/2017/69852
CLINICAL CASE
Nekesa is a 43 year old female from Makongeni. She has a
BMI of 32 and is hypertensive. She is para 6+2 G 9. She
was brought to the maternity ward at GBD 32 weeks 2 days
with 2 episodes of convulsions. She was managed for
eclampsia and as soon as she was stable the baby was born
via caesarean section.
Baby Nekesa did not cry immediately after birth, her APGAR
at 5 minutes was 5 and she has a weak cry at this time. her
birth weight is 1.75kgs.
2. Development of asphyxia
a) Primary apnea: breathing stops but normal muscular tone or
Other damages:
a. Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN)
b. Hyper/hypoglycemia
c. Hyperbilirubinemia
Causes
• Inadequate oxygenation of maternal blood due to
hypoventilation during anesthesia, heart diseases,
pneumonia, respiratory failure
• Low maternal blood pressure due to hypotension
e.g. compression of vena cava and aorta, excess
anaesthesia
• Inadequate relaxation of uterus due to excess
oxytocin
• Premature separation of placenta
• Placental insufficiency
• Knotting of umbilical cord around the neck of
infant
Causes of birth asphyxia
Clinical Presentation
• Fetal asphyxia
Degree of asphyxia: