PREVALENCE OF ASPHYXIA IN PUBLIC HOSPITAL-DELIVERED
BABIES
Sheikh G A
Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan
This retrospective study was carried out at two large
public hospitals to determine the prevalence of birth asphyxia.
Methodology: The hospital records for the all
admissions for delivery was scrutinized, presentation at time of delivery,
type of delivery, presence of pediatric resident and the procedure involved
were checked.
Results: Total of 3406 deliveries were carried
out. Normal vaginal were 70% and the asphyxiated babies were 2.5%, while
surgically delivered babies were 30%, but 5% of these were asphyxiated.
Conclusion: Prevalence of birth asphyxia is still
fairly high. The reasons and recommendations are discussed.