Intractable asphyxia at birth: analysis of the underlying conditions.
A review of clinical and pathological data on 10,000 consecutive deliveries revealed that the incidence of unexpected and intractable asphyxia at birth despite adequate resuscitation was 0.24%. Lung hypoplasia appeared to be the underlying non-viable condition in 22 out of 24 infants. Attention is drawn to congenital neuromuscular disorders which were found to be the cause of lung hypoplasia in at least 4 out of 22 infants. Some helpful hints for diagnosis are given which may contribute to the final decision making.
Devlieger
H
H
Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium.
Jaeken
J
J
Moerman
P
P
Casaer
P
P
Van Assche
A
A
Lauweryns
J
J
Eggermont
E
E
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital; D012189:Retrospective Studies