Newborns in intensive care: Apgar score predicts in fifth minute

Apgar Score (AS) < 7 is a predictor of mortality. Survival is shorter in newborns, with AS 5min  < 7 and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze whether maternal, obstetric, anthropometric, and postnatal variables of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be associated with AS 5min  < 7. If this score is a predictor of morbidity and mortality, and if factors most associated with the worse AS interfere with survival. This observational, retrospective, and quantitative study used a descriptive and inferential approach to analyze the medical records of patients of both sexes treated in the NICU of a tertiary hospital which is a recognized reference center of maternal and child health, during 2017. Data were collected to verify the relationship between AS values ​​(AS 5min  < 7 and AS 5min  ≥ 7). AS 5min  < 7 was associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), premature rupture of the amniotic membrane, vaginal delivery, fetal trauma at birth, abdominal perimeter, and ventilatory support. Among these, HDP and the use of IMV were predictors of lower survival. Conclusion: AS 5min was associated with maternal, obstetric, anthropometric, and postnatal variables of neonates admitted to the NICU. Specific maternal and postnatal variables interfered with the survival of these newborns.