[A study of the sequelae of perinatal hypoxia and convulsions in full-term newborn infants].

Perinatal hypoxia may result in neuromotor handicaps. The occurrence of convulsions after perinatal hypoxia is regarded as a bad prognostic sign. Thirty-two full-term babies with perinatal hypoxia were studied retrospectively. Post-hypoxic convulsions were seen in 20 newborns. In 26 out of 29 survivors follow-up assessments were made between 2 months and 2 years of age. Severe neuromotor abnormalities were demonstrated in 10 out of 19 patients with post-hypoxic convulsions, whereas no abnormalities were found in 7 patients without convulsions (p = 0.016, Fisher exact test). Although post-hypoxic convulsions are a bad prognostic sign, a number of infants with convulsions appear to develop normally. Further research on prognostic factors concerning neurodevelopment after perinatal hypoxia and convulsions appears indicated.