Asphyxia Neonatorum

Asphyxia Neonatorum

1. Definition Asphyxia Neonatorum is a condition that occurs in newborn babies when there is a lack of oxygen to the body or brain, which can cause damage or death. This can happen due to various reasons such as birth asphyxia, trauma, or respiratory problems.

2. Causes / Etiology The causes of Asphyxia Neonatorum can be:

• Birth asphyxia: When the baby does not breathe at birth or gets less oxygen during birth.
• Respiratory problems: Like pneumonia, asthma, or other breathing difficulties.
• Trauma: Injuries during birth or after birth.
• Infections: Severe infections that affect the lungs or other organs.
• Congenital abnormalities: Certain conditions present at birth that affect the respiratory or nervous system.

3. Types or Classification There are two main types of Asphyxia Neonatorum:

• Birth Asphyxia: Occurs when the baby does not breathe at birth or gets less oxygen during birth.
• Postnatal Asphyxia: Occurs when the baby's respiratory system fails after birth.

4. Pathology Step 1 → The baby's respiratory system fails to take in oxygen, causing a lack of oxygen in the blood. Step 2 → The brain and other vital organs suffer damage due to lack of oxygen. Step 3 → The baby may experience cardiac arrest, seizures, or other serious complications. Step 4 → If left untreated, Asphyxia Neonatorum can lead to brain damage, developmental delays, or even death.

5. Clinical Features General features:

• Weak or absent cry
• Blue or pale skin
• Slow or absent breathing
• Poor muscle tone
• Weak or absent reflexes

Specific features:

• Apnea (pauses in breathing)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Hypotonia (weak or floppy muscles)
• Seizures or convulsions

6. Complications Acute complications:

• Cardiac arrest
• Seizures or convulsions
• Respiratory failure
• Renal failure

Chronic complications:

• Brain damage or developmental delays
• Hearing or vision problems
• Motor skill or cognitive impairments

7. Diagnosis / Investigations Routine tests:

• Blood gas analysis
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• X-ray of the chest
• Ultrasound of the head or abdomen

Special tests:

• Arterial blood gas analysis
• Lactate level
• Complete blood count (CBC)

8. Management General management:

• Provide oxygen therapy
• Maintain airway and breathing
• Keep the baby warm
• Monitor vital signs

Modern treatment:

• Mechanical ventilation
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Medications to control seizures or cardiac arrest

Dietary advice:

• Exclusive breast milk feeding for 6 months
• Avoid smoking or second-hand smoke exposure

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Aconitum Napellus: For shock, anxiety, or fear in newborns.

  • Used when the baby is irritable, restless, or has a weak pulse.
  • Dose: 6-12 potency, 3-4 times a day.

• Arsenicum album: For asphyxia, convulsions, or spasms.

  • Used when the baby is pale, cold, or has a weak pulse.
  • Dose: 6-12 potency, 3-4 times a day.

• Belladonna: For convulsions, spasms, or irritability.

  • Used when the baby has a high fever, seizures, or is very irritable.
  • Dose: 6-12 potency, 3-4 times a day.

• Lachesis: For asphyxia, convulsions, or spasms.

  • Used when the baby is restless, irritable, or has a weak pulse.
  • Dose: 6-12 potency, 3-4 times a day.

• Nux vomica: For asphyxia, convulsions, or spasms.

  • Used when the baby is irritable, restless, or has a weak pulse.
  • Dose: 6-12 potency, 3-4 times a day.