Clinico-Biochemical Profile in Neonates with Birth Asphyxia

Abstract

Objective: To study the biochemical derangements in neonates with asphyxia having different clinical presentation.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Federal Govt. Polyclinic (PGMI) Hospital, Islamabad from 1st November 2016 to 30th April 2017. All neonates with history suggestive of birth Asphyxia were inducted in study. Complete history, examination and laboratory investigation (Complete blood count, Blood Sugar, Serum Calcium, Serum Electrolytes, Serum Urea, Serum Creatinine, Liver function tests, Cardiac Enzymes) were done. The data was entered in SPSS version 23 for further analysis.
Results: Out of 39 babies, 66.7% had moderate and 33.3% had severe birth asphyxia. Severity of birth asphyxia was associated with lower APGAR Scores. Multi-organ involvement was observed with increasing severity of birth asphyxia as; respiratory system 71.8%, cardiovascular system (shock) 25%, central nervous system (convulsion)15.4%, renal tract (acute renal failure) 12.8% and gastro intestinal tract 5.1%. Significant mortality was noted with shock, convulsion and hypoglycemia. Cardiac and liver enzymes were deranged and were significantly related to severity of birth asphyxia.
Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common in birth asphyxia. Early assessment of clinical and biochemical profile will help in managing disease, reducing severity and improving the outcome of illness.