ABSTRACT
The study included 50 full term newborns with a 5 minute Apgar score
Conclusion: the consequences of perinatal asphyxia and HIE are tremendous. Both metabolic and biochemical changes are recorded. Enzymes as well as increases in injurious oxygen free radicals [L.per and NO] with decreases in the cell defence antioxidants [SOD and T.th] occur. Factors that lead to HIE are in the major part preventable [by good antenatal and perinatal care with fetal monitoring]. The present study has highlighted areas of intervention and treatment of HIE. Knowledge of cellular and biochemical events that occur in HIE may lead to recognition of certain steps that may be amenable to pharmacologic intervention to limit or even prevent neuronal cell damage due to HIE. The bleak outcome of HIE may be improved. Apgar score commonly used to judge asphyxia was not found to be a reliable indicator of HIE severity and/or outcome