Neurologic affectation in perinatal asphyxia

Abstract

In a retrospective study about newborns with perinatal asphyxia, neurologic affectation was assessed separately, in relation to the asphyxia severity. A 63,5 % of studied newborns showed neurologic involvement, especially severe hypoxic newborns. The following manifestations were noted: muscular tone disorders (49,6 %), tremors (18,2 %), stereotyped movements (14,6 %), abnormal spontaneous posturing (13,8 %) and seizures (7,3 %). Muscular hypotonia, abnormal posturing (especially, lethargy) and convulsive episodes were significantly (p < 0.01) most frequent in severe asphyxiated newborns. Using cerebral ultrasonography, a higher incidence of cerebral edema and hemorrhage in newborns with greater perinatal asphyxia level was demonstrated.