Cerebral Palsy Linked To Low Apgar Scores
A recent study has linked low Apgar scores in infants with the development of cerebral palsy by age 5. Apgar scores - taken shortly after birth - measure an infant’s heart rate, respiration, color, muscle tone, and reflex irritability. The scores provide information about both the baby’s cardio-respiratory system and neurological condition. Nigel Paneth, MD, MPH who wrote an editorial accompanying the study notes, “A low Apgar score, especially when it persists beyond the first minute of life, is … an indicator of central nervous system depression, so it’s not surprising that it can predict later neurological dysfunction.”
Often, infants delivered after suffering decreased oxygen and blood flow during the birthing process have low Apgar scores measured within minutes of the birth. In a recent case, our client developed cerebral palsy after suffering a birth trauma. She was delivered with Apgar scores of 2 at 1 minute and 3 at 5 minutes.
Commonly, birth trauma occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen is restricted during the birthing process. If the mother and infant are not receiving adequate oxygen, it is crucial that the attending physician or medical personnel act quickly to increase oxygen. A failure to correct the oxygen and blood flow may result in permanent damage or injury. When physicians and other hospital personnel fail to take adequate steps, they may be held liable for medical negligence.
The study concluded that although Apgar scores below 4 at five minutes post birth was associated with a higher likelihood of a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by age 5 for babies of all weights, it was especially strong in normal birthweight children.
For more information, or if you believe your child has been the victim of birth injury or trauma, we may be able to help. Please contact Bostwick, Peterson & Mitchell, LLP today.
