Perinatal asphyxia is a serious medical condition that occurs when a baby is deprived of oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth. This condition can be fatal and affect the baby's long-term development if not treated promptly and appropriately. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to ensure the baby's survival and optimal development.
What is Perinatal Asphyxia?
Perinatal asphyxia occurs when a baby does not get enough oxygen during the perinatal period, which is about one week before and one week after birth. This lack of oxygen can be caused by various factors, such as impaired blood flow to the fetus, complications during labor, or abnormalities in the baby's respiratory system after birth.
Perinatal asphyxia can cause brain damage, respiratory distress, or even death if not treated promptly. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are essential to reduce the risk of more serious complications.
Causes of Perinatal Asphyxia
Some factors that can cause perinatal asphyxia include:
- Complications of childbirth : A long labor process or mechanical disturbances such as a pinched umbilical cord or an abnormal position can inhibit blood and oxygen flow to the baby.
- Infection : Infection that occurs in the mother or baby during pregnancy or childbirth can increase the risk of asphyxia.
- Placental problems : Disorders of the placenta that block blood or oxygen flow to the baby can trigger asphyxia.
- Fetal abnormalities : Some congenital abnormalities can interfere with the baby's ability to breathe or receive enough oxygen.
Symptoms of Perinatal Asphyxia
Babies who experience perinatal asphyxia can show several symptoms, both during labor and immediately after birth, such as:
- Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
- Lack of response to stimuli or weak reflexes
- Weak or inactive muscles
- Lack of muscle tone (hypotonia)
These symptoms indicate serious oxygen deprivation and require immediate medical attention.
The following are several approaches to handling perinatal asphyxia carried out in hospitals, namely:
- Neonatal Resuscitation Immediately After Birth
If the baby shows signs of perinatal asphyxia, the first step taken is neonatal resuscitation . Dr. Mas Wisnuwardhana and the medical team will immediately identify whether the baby needs respiratory assistance, such as the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or mechanical ventilation . This action is taken to restore oxygen supply and ensure the baby is breathing normally.
- Use of Therapeutic Cooling (Therapeutic Hypothermia)
If perinatal asphyxia causes severe brain damage, one intervention that can be done is therapeutic cooling . This is a medical procedure where the baby's body temperature is controlled to help reduce brain damage that can occur from lack of oxygen. This procedure has been shown to be effective in improving long-term outcomes in babies who have experienced severe asphyxia.
- Close Monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
After birth, babies with asphyxia will be closely monitored in the NICU . Dr. Mas Wisnuwardhana and the medical team at EMC Pekayon Hospital will monitor the baby's condition, including respiratory status, body temperature, and other vital signs. This monitoring is very important to detect any changes in condition that require further treatment.
- Drug Administration and Supportive Therapy
In some cases, babies with perinatal asphyxia may require certain medications , such as medications to increase blood pressure or improve the function of other organs. This supportive therapy will be given by a neonatologist to help stabilize the baby's condition and prevent further complications.
- Long Term Care and Rehabilitation
After the initial phase of treatment, babies who survive perinatal asphyxia still need long-term monitoring to ensure their development. Doctors will continue to monitor the motor, cognitive, and physical development of babies affected by asphyxia to ensure there are no long-term disorders. If necessary, physical therapy or developmental therapy will also be given to help babies overcome developmental delays.
Why Choose EMC Pekayon Hospital for Perinatal Asphyxia Treatment?
EMC Pekayon Hospital is a hospital with complete medical facilities and a competent medical team in handling perinatal asphyxia cases. With the support of neonatology experts such as dr. Mas Wisnuwardhana, Sp.A (Fellow Neonatology) , this hospital can provide the best medical care, from the resuscitation stage to long-term care.
In addition to the advanced facilities in the NICU , EMC Pekayon Hospital also has a team of experienced pediatricians and neonatologists, ready to provide optimal medical attention to babies and their families.
Article written by dr. Mas Wishnuwardhana Widjanarko, Sp.A, M.Si.Med (Fellow Neonatology) (Pediatrician Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).