TITLE:
Factors Associated with Perinatal Asphyxia at the National Children’s Hospital Albert Royer
AUTHORS:
Serigne Tawa Ndiaye, Mohameth Mbodj, Ramatoulaye Gueye, Papa Moctar Faye
KEYWORDS:
Asphyxia, Newborn, Neonatal Mortality
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia remains a major cause of neonatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with perinatal asphyxia at the National Children’s Hospital Albert Royer (CHNEAR). Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a two-year period (January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021) in the neonatology department of CHNEAR. All neonates hospitalized for perinatal asphyxia were included. Results: During the study period, 1715 neonates were admitted, among whom 112 cases of perinatal asphyxia were identified, corresponding to a hospital prevalence of 6.5%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6. The mean maternal age was 26 years; 53% of mothers were primigravida and 75% had attended at least four antenatal care visits. The main obstetric complications were maternal infections (25.89%), gestational diabetes (23.2%), dystocia (17.8%), and preeclampsia (10.7%). Cesarean section was performed in 28 neonates (25%). According to the Sarnat classification, 58% of neonates had stage II encephalopathy and 11% had stage III. The most frequent neonatal complications were respiratory distress (59.8%), seizures (52.7%), and renal failure (11.6%). Hospital mortality was 29.5%, with 12.1% of deaths occurring within the first 24 hours. At 12 months of age, 36.7% of survivors had neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia remains a frequent and severe condition in Senegal. Improving prognosis requires strengthening obstetric monitoring, training healthcare staff in neonatal resuscitation, and ensuring the availability of neuroprotective equipment.