RESUMO
Objective To explore the relationship between 5-minute Apgar score and heart rate variability (HRV) in severely asphyxiated neonates. Methods A total of 103 severely asphyxiated neonates with 1-minute Apgar score of 0 to 3 points were selected. They were divided into Group A (>7 points, n=50) and Group B (≤7 points, n=53) based on 5-minute Apgar score. Meanwhile, 40 full-term neonates with 1-and 5-minute Apgar score greater than 7 points were selected as control group. 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram was performed and HRV was analyzed on the third day after birth in three groups. Results PNN50, rMSSD, SDSD were decreased and SDNN, SDANN were increased in group B as compared with group A and control group (P0.05). Conclusions Neonatal asphyxia can cause damage to autonomic nervous system. 5-minute Apgar score and HRV can be joint-ly used as a non-invasive index in autonomic nervous damage and its prognosis in asphyxiated newborns.