The Correlation of Cord Arterial Blood Gas Analysis Results and Apgar Scores in Term Infants Without Fetal Distress

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of cord arterial blood gas analysis in cases without fetal distress and normal Apgar score. Materials and Methods: The cord arterial blood gas analysis and the 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores data of 1438 cases were evaluated. Newborns with fetal distress, neonates requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the delivery room, congenital anomalies, severe and moderate acidemia (pH [greater than or equal to]7.1 at cord arterial blood gas analysis), and pre- and post-term newborns are excluded. Following cord arterial blood gas analysis, threshold values were accepted as abnormal pH 5 mmol/L, bicarbonate < 18 mmol/L, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide [less than or equal to] 50 mmHg. We evaluated the correlation between cord arterial blood gas analysis and 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores. Results: There was a significant correlation between both 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and cord arterial blood gas analysis values such as pH, lactate, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P < .001). In addition, a significant correlation was found between the 5-minute Apgar score of