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.
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.