In 1952, at the 27th Annual Congress of Anesthesiologists, Virginia Apgar (V. Apgar) introduced a system for assessing the condition of a newborn in the first minutes of his life.

The condition of the infant is assessed by a number of clinical signs: heart rate (HR), breathing patterns, muscle tone, reflex excitability, skin coloration at certain intervals after birth. The Apgar score is calculated by the sum of the scores and makes it possible to fairly objectively diagnose the condition of the newborn, the prognosis and indications for intensive care and resuscitation.

Each studied clinical sign is given a score on a three-point system. A well-pronounced sign is estimated at 2 points, insufficiently expressed - 1 point, absence or perversion of the sign - 0 points.

Clinical sign Score 0 1 2 Heart rate Absent Less than 100 beats per minute 100 or more heartbeats per minute Breathing Absent Irregular, weak cry (hypoventilation) Normal, loud cry Muscle tone Absent, limbs droop Decreased, some flexion of the limbs Expressed active. Only in 15% of newborns, the general condition in the first minute of life is estimated at 10 points.. An Apgar score at birth of 0-3 points (pulse less than 100 beats / min, slowing down, no breathing or changes in it, pale skin, muscle atony) corresponds to severe asphyxia. A score of 4-6 points 1 minute after birth (unstable breathing, heart rate of 100 beats/min or more, reduced muscle tone, weak response to irritation) corresponds to an average degree of asphyxia. A score of 6 points or less 5 minutes after birth is an indication for intensive care or continued resuscitation..

parents. ua.