Relationships between cardiovascular signs and neurological signs in asphyxiated neonates in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a condition associated with multiple organ dysfunctions inclusive of cardiovascular dys- function. Neurologic predictors of survival have been studied, but little has been reported regarding cardiovascular signs and their role in determining outcome in asphyxia. Objective: The study aimed to determine the relationship between cardiovascular signs and outcomes in asphyxiated new- borns with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving asphyxiated new-born babies recruited within the first 24 hours of life. Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy staging was done using Sarnat and Sarnat staging. All patients had a detailed cardi- ovascular examination on admission, after initial resuscitation (30 – 60 minutes) into admission, and were followed till final outcome: discharge or death. Results: Eighty-five asphyxiated new-borns with HIE were studied over seven months. Abnormal cardiovascular-related signs identified in the patients included respiratory distress (64.7%), small volume pulse (57.6%), hypotension (52.9%), hy- poxemia (48.2%) and shock (32.9%). Five babies died. None of the clinical signs had a significant relationship with mortality. Conclusion: Abnormal cardiovascular signs increased with the progression of HIE staging but had no relationship with mortality. Keywords: Cardiovascular signs; Neurological outcomes; Mortality; Perinatal asphyxia.