Author/Authors :
Asadollahi ، Khairollah Department of Social Medicine - Faculty of Medicine - Ilam University of Medical Sciences , Karimi ، Arezoo Department of Epidemiology - School of Public Health - Shahroud University of Medical Sciences , Rezaei ، Nazanin Department of Midwifery - Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery - Ilam University of Medical Sciences , Mussavi ، MirHadi Department of Pediatrics - Faculty of Medicine - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Azizi ، Monireh Department of Anatomy - Faculty of Medicine - Ilam University of Medical Sciences , Daliri ، Salman Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Introduction: The Apgar score, assessing newborns’ health at birth, indicates adverse conditions and the need for medical attention. This study investigates its predictive value for neonatal outcomes. Material Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 207 neonates in Ilam city hospitals (2015-2016). It compared two groups: 69 neonates with Apgar scores 7 (exposed) and 138 with scores ≥7 (unexposed) at birth. Neonates were followed through the neonatal period, and outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis used SPSS Statistics software. Results: At the fifth minute, the exposed group had higher rates of resuscitation need (51% vs. 26.7%, p=0.01), re-admission (51% vs. 31.1%), and mortality (60% vs. 12.2%, p=0.03) compared to the unexposed group. Relative risks for the exposed group were 3.8 (resuscitation), 6.1 (NICU admission), 2.94 (re-admission), and 2.5 (mortality) at the first minute, and 2.9, 2.7, 2.3, and 19.9, respectively, at the fifth minute. Conclusion: Apgar scores 7 increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes including NICU admission, resuscitation, and higher mortality rates. The Apgar score serves as a valuable predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes.
