Abstract:
Background
Birth asphyxia is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing
countries. Birth asphyxia continues to present a major clinical problem, and worldwide-
4million newborn infants are affected annually.
Objective: The broad objective of this study was to asses care given to asphyxiated
neonates at neonatal unit Muhimbili ational Hospital.
Study design, population and setting: A descriptive cross sectional study involving
190 neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at Muhimbili National Hospital.
Methods: Data was obtained using a checklist for assessing the Management or care
given to birth asphyxiated neonates.Demographic data of mother, previous obstetric
history, history or current pregnancy, parity, marital status, mode of delivery such as
(SVD), (ABD), (L VCE), (C/S), duration of labor, induction, method of induction, apgar
score, diagnosis on admission, resuscitation measure and neonate's birth weight was
determined.
Results: A total of 190 neonates were included in the neonatal unit Forty (2J%) were
found with birth asphyxia .Most of asphyxiated neonates 25/40 were referral cases from
peripheral hospitals. Majority (62.5%) of asphyxiated neonates died, those with severe
birth asphyxia had significantly increased mortality (p=O.OOO).Lack of resuscitative
facilities, technology and shortage of skilled personnel were the biggest problem in birth
asphyxia management.
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study has demonstrated that the birth asphyxia
has high mortality rate Birth asphyxia is responsible for about one third of neonatal
deaths. Lack of facilities, technology and shortage of nurses also were the biggest
problem in birth asphyxia management. There is a need to establish a well equipped
neonatal intensive care unit.
