How to score the APGAR ?
APGAR score is a method used to quickly assess newborn condition immediately after birth.
The APGAR scale is determined by evaluating the newborn baby on five simple criteria on a scale from zero to two, then summing up the five values obtained. The resulting APGAR score ranges from zero to 10 (Table 7.1, below).
The five criteria are:
- Appearance (colour).
- Pulse (heartbeat).
- Grimace (reflex to the environment).
- Activity(muscle tone).
- Respiratory.
Sign | 0 | 1 | 2 |
---|---|---|---|
Heart rate | Absent | Below 100 | Over 100 |
Respiratory rate | Absent | Slow, irregular | Good, crying |
Muscle tone | Flaccid | Some flexion of extremities | Active motion |
Reflex irritability | No response | Grimace | Vigorous cry |
Color | Pale | Cyanotic | Completely pink |
The APGAR test is usually given to a baby twice: the first with in 1 minute after birth, and again the second at 5 minutes after birth. Sometimes, if there are concerns about the baby's condition or if the score at 5 minutes is low, the test may be scored for a third time at 10 minutes after birth.
When the Apgar is >3/10, the newborn is severe asphyxiated; 4-5/10, moderate asphyxiated; 6-7/10, mild asphyxiated; >7/10 no asphyxiated.