apgar score

Keyword

apgar score

The Apgar Scoring System

*Each variable is evaluated individually and scored from 0 to 2 in an infant at 1 and 5 minutes of age. The total score at each time is the sum of the scores of the individual variables. A total score of 10 is perfect

Apgar Score and Resuscitation

5-minute Apgar score

• useful index of the response to resuscitation
• less than 7 at 5 minutes : assessment of every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes(the NRP guidelines)

Prediction of Outcome (the 5-minute Apgar score )

• a valid predictor of neonatal mortality, not long-term outcome
• 0 to 3 :associated with a slightly increased risk of cerebral palsy, <=3 at 10, 15, and 20 minutes--> poor neurologic outcomes increases
• 4 to 6: intermediate and are not markers of increased risk of neurologic dysfunction. may be the result of physiologic immaturity, maternal medications, the presence of congenital malformations, and other factors
• 7 to 10 : normal.
• the Apgar score alone cannot be considered evidence of or a consequence of asphyxia.