Last Updated on September 1, 2022
APGAR score
Cord blood gas
What circumstances cord blood gas usually taken?
Upon high risk deliveries e.g. vacuum assisted delivery, cord prolapse
Pathophysiology
Hypoxia–> anaerobic metabolism of blood glucose –> production & accumulation lactic acid –> high level of lactic acid –> decreased blood pH & increased base excess
Significance
Cord blood metabolic acidosis may indicate higher risk of hypoxic brain injury, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)
Important note: Correlate clinically
**Infants with pH <7.0 at birth who are not vigorous are at high risk of adverse outcome
**Low cord pH in infants who are vigorous at birth and free of cardiopulmonary compromise does not indicate an increased risk of adverse outcome.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2675384/
http://www.clinlabnavigator.com/cord-blood-gases.html
Infant of mother with different circumstances
Infant of mother with risk of sepsis
• Prolonged leaking liquor –> Copy