Incidence of multiorgan dysfunction in perinatal asphyxia

Abstract

Background: Objectives of current study was to study the incidence of multiorgan dysfunction in babies with perinatal asphyxia and its effect on the outcome. Methods: All term babies admitted to NICU of S. Nijalingappa Medical College and Hanagal Shri Kumareshwara Hospital, Bagalkot in the period January 2013 to December 2013 with perinatal asphyxia and HIE were included in the study. Detailed history and thorough examination was done using predesigned and prestructured proforma. Necessary investigations were done as indicated to identify organ dysfunction. Results: 80.8% of babies with perinatal asphyxia had evidence of multiorgan dysfunction with HIE alone seen in 19.2% of cases. Respiratory failure was the most common organ dysfunction after CNS seen in 63.1% of cases. CVS involvement was seen in 54.3% (31) of babies, out of which the mortality was seen in 22.5% (7 cases), renal involvement was seen in 29.8% (17) of babies, out of which the mortality was seen in 29.4% (5 cases). Increased mortality in babies who had cardiovascular dysfunction and in babies with renal dysfunction was statistically significant. Mortality was higher in babies with multiorgan dysfunction which increased proportionately with increase in number of organs involved. Conclusions: Multiorgan dysfunction is common in babies with perinatal asphyxia. Cardiovascular involvement and renal involvement are associated with poor outcome. Mortality is directly proportional to the number of organs involved.