Birth Asphyxia: Risk Factors, Complications, and Outcomes in Neonates Admitted at a Tertiary Care Center in Gujarat, India

Background Birth asphyxia is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is often associated with long-term neurological and systemic complications. This study explores the incidence, maternal and neonatal risk factors, and outcomes of neonates admitted with birth asphyxia at a tertiary care center in Gujarat, India. Objectives This study aims to determine the incidence of birth asphyxia among NICU admissions, identify maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with birth asphyxia, and evaluate the immediate outcomes and complications in affected neonates. Methods This prospective observational study included 130 neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia, defined by an Apgar score of ≤6 at 1 minute. Data were collected over 19 months from July 2022 to February 2024 at GMERS Medical College and General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. Maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed using structured questionnaires and medical records. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to evaluate the data. Results Among 2,770 NICU admissions, 130 neonates (4.7%) were diagnosed with birth asphyxia. The majority of affected neonates were male (60.8%), and 79.2% of mothers belonged to a lower socioeconomic class. Key maternal risk factors included anemia (83.1%), hypertension (19.2%), and prolonged labor (32.3%). Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was observed in 72.3% of cases, with 10.8% presenting with Sarnat Grade III. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher in outborn cases (28.6%) compared to inborn cases (3.8%). Conclusion The study underscores the critical role of maternal health, socioeconomic factors, and timely neonatal interventions in reducing the burden of birth asphyxia. Improved antenatal care, robust intrapartum monitoring, and effective referral systems are essential to mitigate adverse outcomes. Further research and public health initiatives are needed to address the disparities in neonatal care.