The correlation between sarnat and sarnat staging system and short term prognosis in patient with birth asphyxia at Tikrit teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Birth asphyxia is a critical cause of cerebral injury in the neonatal period, leading to high neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Despite advancements in monitoring technology, obstetric care, and understanding of fetal and neonatal pathologies, birth asphyxia remains a serious condition with significant consequences. Survivors of birth asphyxia often face long-term issues such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and sensory and learning disabilities. Aim: To predict the outcome of patients with birth asphyxia using the Sarnat and Sarnat staging system. Method: This observational cross-sectional study included 270 newborn infants (150 males and 120 females) admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) at Tikrit Teaching Hospital between March 1, 2022, and July 31, 2022. The infants were categorized based on risk factors associated with birth asphyxia, and their outcomes were assessed using the Apgar score and Sarnat staging. Results: Out of the total live births at Tikrit Teaching Hospital, 60 newborns had Apgar scores