Asphyxia, or suffocation caused by a pathological condition (lack of oxygen) that occurs during childbirth, is a respiratory disorder. Factors contributing to asphyxia include:
- early arrival or early departure of the satellite;
- Prolongation of the period of severe dehydration;
- twisting or falling of the umbilical cord;
- hypotension in the mother (decrease in blood pressure);
- Immunological imbalance of maternal and fetal blood;
- Provision of sedatives and analgesics (sedatives and analgesics) 1-2 hours before delivery.
In addition, premature or premature birth, developmental delays in the mother's womb, congenital malformations and arrhythmias during pregnancy, as well as decreased motor activity can lead to asphyxia.
When there is a lack of oxygen
oxygen
Regardless of the cause of oxygen deficiency, the baby's body undergoes changes in metabolic processes, blood circulation, and microcirculation. Their severity is determined by the duration of hypoxia, preterm birth, and the degree to which neonatal care is organized.
The main symptom of asphyxia is a respiratory disorder, in which there are changes in heart function, impaired blood circulation and neuromuscular conduction. Severe or mild asphyxia is determined by the Apgar scale. This scale was proposed by the American obstetrician Virginia Apgar in 1952 and is based on a clinical assessment of the baby's condition 1 and 5 minutes after birth. (The number of heartbeats, independent breathing, skin color, reflex sensitivity, and muscle tone are assessed by scores, and the sum of these scores determines the degree of asphyxia.) However, currently the Algar scale alone is not the only criterion for asphyxia.
In determining the main criteria for asphyxia and its severity, the course of the early naonatal period and the degree of impact of asphyxia on the internal organs and systems are taken into account. Hence, the degree of asphyxia is assessed according to the course of the first neonatal period (first 7 days of life).
Babies born with asphyxia need resuscitation. The earlier the resuscitation treatment is started, the more positive the effect will be. This procedure is performed in the delivery room. At the same time, the baby's basic vital signs are monitored and emergency measures are taken.
In the neonatal intensive care unit, the upper airway permeability depends on the severity of the asphyxia. When auxiliary breathing techniques do not work, the child begins to normalize the heart, and if necessary, drugs are injected into the umbilical cord.
After resuscitation in the delivery room, the babies are transferred to an intensive care unit and regularly monitored. Hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, and other electrolyte imbalances occur in infants with asphyxia. The main care areas for the baby (maintenance of the heating chain, breastfeeding, non-diaper care, dry umbilical cord removal) are carried out.
The baby will be monitored
patronage
If the treatment is timely and fluffy, the child's condition will improve, but the changes in the nervous system will persist for some time and gradually return to normal. It should be noted that the most important factor in the future development of the child is the course of the mother's pregnancy. About 70-80% of fetal central nervous system injuries are due to severe pregnancy.
Children born with asphyxia should be monitored by a pediatrician and a neurologist after discharge. In order to prevent asphyxia and its complications in infants, it is necessary to pay special attention to the health of pregnant women, timely treatment of extragenital diseases in them, early hospitalization of at-risk pregnant women. Practical work like this will definitely help prevent the occurrence of hypoxia in babies.
Khadicha MUHAMMEDOVA,
Tashkent Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education
Professor of "Neonatology", Doctor of Medical Sciences.
