Perinatal outcome of newborns with low Apgar score, at the Hospital Hipólito Unanue Tacna-Peru, 2002-2016

Abstract

Introduction: A low Apgar score at one minute is a clinical problem that contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify adverse perinatal results of newborns with low Apgar score. Design: Retrospective, analytical, case-control study. Institution: Hipolito Unanue Hospital in Tacna, Peru. Participants: 2 176 live births with Apgar score below 7 at one minute, single pregnancy, born between 2002 and 2016, compared with 4 352 live births with Apgar score 7-10 selected by simple random sampling. We used the SIP2000 Perinatal Computer System database. Main outcome measures: Absolute and relative frequencies, averages, standard deviation, bivariate analysis, odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The frequency of newborns with low Apgar score was 4.1 per 100 live births. Low Apgar score was associated with male sex, prematurity, low weight, small and large for gestational age, and birth by cesarean section. Adverse perinatal results were associated with higher risk of morbidity (OR=5.8), neonatal mortality (OR=41.1), perinatal infection (OR=9.4), respiratory distress syndrome (OR=7.6), congenital malformations (OR=7), birth trauma (OR=5,4), and hyperbilirubinemia (OR=4.9), Conclusion: In our hospital, newborns with a low Apgar score at one minute were at high risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality.