CURRENT APPROACHES TO THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL ASPHYXIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Abstract: Neonatal asphyxia remains one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The condition results from impaired oxygen delivery and inadequate blood flow to the fetus or newborn during the prenatal, intrapartum, or immediate postnatal period. Early recognition and timely intervention are essential to prevent severe complications, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, neurological impairment, and long-term developmental disorders. This article examines contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and management of neonatal asphyxia, with particular attention to clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic strategies, and patient outcomes. The study reviews current evidence regarding Apgar scoring, blood gas analysis, neurological assessment, and advanced treatment modalities such as therapeutic hypothermia. Furthermore, the relationship between early diagnosis and improved neonatal prognosis is discussed. The findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary care and evidence-based clinical protocols in reducing mortality and improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes among affected newborns.