Abstract
Background:To determine the outcome of asphyxiated
term newborns in relation with the time of referral to a
tertiary care unit.
Methods: In this descriptive study,142 newborns
with birth asphyxia were grouped into Group A and B
depending upon the referral duration i.e., less than 24
hours and 24-48 hours respectively. Demographic details,
age, gender, weight, duration of birth asphyxia, maternal
age, parity, mode, place of delivery, delivery conducting
personnel, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy stage and
outcome were documented.
Results: Group A (referral time less than 24 hours)
frequency was 33.8% and Group B (referral time 24 to 48
hours) was 66.2%.Maximum patients were delivered at
hospital( 47.9%). Mortality was higher in home deliveries
(69.2%) and was significantly higher in deliveries
conducted by dais ( 70.8%) Hypoxic ischemic
encephalopathy stage III was seen in 39.4% cases of Group
B, while none were seen in Group A
Conclusion: Aphyxiated newborns have a significant
morbidity and mortality in association with delayed
referral to a tertiary care hospital.