To obtain multi-organ dysfunction frequency, associated factors in neonates with birth asphyxia, and explore its relationship with short-term outcomes.
A prospective study included 120 asphyxiated neonates admitted to Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam. Central nervous system (CNS), renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver, and gastrointestinal evaluations were conducted systematically.
Of the asphyxiated neonates, 33.3% had severe asphyxia, while 66.7% had moderate asphyxia. Multiorgan dysfunction was observed in 55.8%, with involvement of two or more systems. CNS, pulmonary, liver, renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal dysfunction occurred in 50.0%, 51.7%, 45.0%, 31.7%, 17.5%, and 13.3% of asphyxiated neonates, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 21.6%. Organ dysfunction was significantly associated with increased mortality, particularly respiratory, renal, and CNS dysfunction (odds ratios: 7.43, 6.56, and 5.92, respectively; p<0.001). Mortality risk increased with the number of affected organs/systems, with odds ratios of 41.33 and 5.52 for involvement of five and four organs, respectively (p<0.01). Severe asphyxia, Apgar score≤5 at 5 minutes, and elevated serum lactate levels (≥5 mmol/L) were significantly associated with multiorgan dysfunction (p<0.05).
Birth asphyxia in neonates often leads to multiorgan damage, increasing the risk of mortality. Preventive methods, prompt resuscitation, and systematic organ dysfunction screening are crucial to manage affected organs and improve outcomes.