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Saima Bibi¹, Syed Yasir Hussain Gilani² and Sadia Bibi³

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors associated with birth asphyxia in newborns.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Neonatology unit of Ayub Medical Teaching Institute over a period of one year from 1^st March 2021 to 28^th February 2022.

Materials and Methods: All neonates who were admitted with birth asphyxia were included in the study. Data was collected by nonprobability convenience sampling. Patient characteristics and maternal details were recorded on a predesigned proforma.  Patients whose maternal history was not available were excluded from the study. Patients with major congenital malformations were also excluded from the study. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 26. Significance testing was done using Chi square test.  P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 110 patients were included in our study. These included 60(54.5%) male and 50(45.5%) female patients. Major antepartum risk factors included maternal anemia in 75(68.2%), un-booked status in 83(75.5%), PROM in 38(34.5%) and primiparity in 68(61.8%). Major intrapartum risk factors were prolong labour in 68(61.8%) and obstructed labour in 28(25.5%) patients. A total of 76(69.1%) patients were discharged and 34(30.9%) expired.

Conclusion: Maternal un-booked status, hypertension, prolong rupture of membranes, prolong labour and obstructed labour are associated with poor outcome in patients with birth asphyxia.

Key Words: Asphyxia, Risk Factors, Antepartum, Intrapartum

Citation of article: Bibi S, Gilani SYH, Bibi S. Risk Factors for Birth Asphyxia – an Experience from A Tertiary Care Setting. Med Forum 2022;33(8): 52-55.