[Definition of asphyxia neonatorum and incidence of neurologic and systemic complications in the full-term newborn].

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective multicentric study, 152 of 10,065 live term births had birth asphyxia, defined by the association of three indicators (fetal distress, depression at birth and metabolic acidosis).

RESULTS

The incidence of birth asphyxia was 1.5% of live term births when birth asphyxia was defined by the presence of at least two indicators, and 1% of live term births when birth asphyxia was defined by the association of metabolic acidosis and another indicator. Neurological complications were observed in 66 cases (43%). The incidence of post-asphyxial encephalopathy (PAE) was 5.9/1000 of live term births (mild PAE: 3/1000; moderate PAE: 2.7/1000; severe PAE: 0.2/1000). Systemic complications were observed in 87 patients (57%). Renal injury and coagulopathy were associated with moderate or severe PAE. Respiratory complications (39%), infections (17%) and gastro-intestinal intolerance (15%) often complicated the course. Severe complications were never seen in the absence of significant metabolic acidosis at 30 minutes of life.

CONCLUSION

Our study has many implications concerning the diagnosis of birth asphyxia and its complications. A terminology based on clinical observation and arterial pH evaluation is proposed in order to clarify the situation.