Factors associated with motor and cognitive deficits in children after intrapartum fetal hypoxia.

Sixty children with biochemical evidence of intrapartum fetal hypoxia were studied to define the factors which distinguish the children with deficits from those without deficits of motor and cognitive development. Follow-up assessment included growth measures, neurological examination, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and a modified Uzgiris and Hunt Scale. Eight children (13%) had a major deficit and 10 children (16%) had a minor deficit at 1 year. Children with deficits had an episode of hypoxia that was more severe and prolonged and, subsequent to delivery, a greater incidence of severe respiratory complications, apnea, and newborn encephalopathy. No other significant risk factors were identified. It is concluded that an episode of hypoxia less than one hour may occur without subsequent deficits. However, an episode of hypoxia in excess of 1 hour resulting in a metabolic acidosis of the order of 25 mEq/L will be followed by motor and cognitive deficits in approximately 50% of children.