Term intra-partum asphyxia: an analysis of acute non-specific supportive criteria and non-CNS organ injury.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the frequencies and relationships of non-specific non-essential diagnostic criteria and non-CNS organ system injury in term intra-partum asphyxia.

METHODS

All children with term intra-partum asphyxia encountered in a single pediatric neurology practice with at least two years follow-up and an abnormal neurologic outcome were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 40 children (28 males, 12 females) were identified. Twenty-four had moderate NE and sixteen severe NE. The mean number of non-specific non-essential diagnostic criteria (out of a possible 7) was 4.75+/-1.39 SD. Sixty percent had five or more criteria and all criteria were present in only 10% of newborns. The mean number of non-CNS organ systems affected was 2.88+/-1.96 SD (out of a possible 6). Ten percent of our sample showed no evident non-CNS organ injury acutely.

CONCLUSION

Most asphyxiated neonates failed to consistently satisfy all elements of present consensus statements.