Strengths and limitations of abgar scor: a critical appraisal

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was undertaken on 200 normally delivered newborns at Lady Aitchison hospital Lahore from august to december 1998. Apgar scores were recorded using the current virginia apgar scoring system at 1 and 5 minute interval. the newborns with scores 0-5 at 5 minutes were considered at higher risk for developing respiratory or neurological complications. our study showed significant difference [p<0.05] in scores of full term average birth weight [3 kg] and preterm low birth weight newborns [< 2 kg]. the 5 minutes scores were improved AS compared To 1 minute in 97% cases. More studies are recommended by increasing the apgar scoring time to 10 minutes in order to enhance the predictive value of this score for respiratory or neurological disabilities