Six-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Survivors of Perinatal Asphyxia: A Prospective Cohort Study from North India
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity. While in-hospital outcomes are well documented, limited Indian data exist on medium-term sequelae in survivors. Objective: To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes at six months in term neonates who survived perinatal asphyxia and to identify associated clinical predictors. Methods: This prospective observational cohort was conducted at the G.B. Pant Hospital, Srinagar, from November 2017 to April 2019. Term neonates (37 weeks, >1.8 kg) with Apgar <6 at 5 min and features of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) were enrolled. Survivors were followed up to six months for developmental assessment, seizure occurrence, and neurological status. Associations with baseline demographic, maternal, and intrapartum variables were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. Results: Of 217 enrolled neonates, 186 (85.7%) survived to discharge; 90 (48.4%) were followed up at six months. Normal development was observed in 22 (11.8%) infants, seizures with normal development in 18 (9.7%), and seizures with developmental delay in 50 (26.9%). Higher HIE grade was strongly associated with adverse outcomes (p<0.001). Unbooked maternal status, prolonged labour, and delayed hospital arrival (>5 h) were significant predictors of developmental delay. Conclusion: Over one-third of survivors of perinatal asphyxia had seizures with developmental delay by six months. HIE grade, perinatal complications, and delayed referral were significant risk factors. Strengthened follow-up programs and early intervention services are warranted.
Authors: Mohd Suhail Jogi, Samiya Khan, Danish Rafiq
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7121327489