Etiology, Clinical Features, and Management of Birth Asphyxia

Introduction

Birth asphyxia is a serious neonatal condition that occurs due to insufficient oxygen supply during birth, leading to potential short-term and long-term complications. It is a major concern in pediatric medicine requiring timely recognition and intervention.

Etiology of Birth Asphyxia

The causes of birth asphyxia can be categorized into antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal factors:

• Antenatal factors: Maternal hypertension, diabetes, placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction.
• Intrapartum factors: Prolonged labor, umbilical cord prolapse, fetal distress.
• Postnatal factors: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart diseases.

Clinical Features

Birth asphyxia presents with key symptoms such as:

• Cyanosis and poor Apgar scores.
• Respiratory distress and irregular breathing.
• Hypotonia or hypertonia.
• Altered neurological reflexes.

Management of Birth Asphyxia

Timely intervention is critical to prevent irreversible damage:

• Immediate resuscitation using positive pressure ventilation.
• Therapeutic hypothermia for neuroprotection.
• Monitoring and supportive care, including oxygen therapy.
• Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up.

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Untreated birth asphyxia can result in:

• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
• Seizure disorders.

Conclusion

Birth asphyxia is a critical neonatal condition requiring immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis, prompt resuscitation, and careful long-term monitoring can significantly improve outcomes and reduce complications.