Relationship between the Apgar score and general movements in hospitalized preterm newborns

Abstract Introduction In Brazil, the Apgar score is the main indi-cator of immediate risk at birth and general movements (GMs) are the gold standard markers for neuromotor out-comes. However, there are no studies that have investigate direct differences in GM quality in relation to the Apgar score. Objective Assess whether the Apgar score is related to GM quality in hospitalized preterm newborns and compare the presence of risk factors in those at high risk against a low-risk control group. Methods This is an observational study involving the analysis of medical records. Thirty eligible newborns with a gestational age of 34.80 ± 1.41 weeks, hospitalized in the neonatal intermediate care unit, were divided into a high-risk group (1and 5-minute Apgar score ≤ 7, birth weight < 2,500 grams) and control group (1and 5minute Apgar score > 7, birth weight ≥ 2,500 grams). Prechtl’s GM assessment and risk factor analysis were conducted in accordance with the Brazilian National Health System (SUS in Portuguese). Results There were no intergroup differences for GMs, but differences in biological factors were observed, with the high-risk group exhibiting more problems during pregnancy, labor or birth, and severe jaundice. Conclusion The Apgar score was not related to GM quality in the preterm newborns studied. However, there were more gestational and perinatal complications and severe jaundice in the high-risk group, indicating a possible relationship between these risk factors. Resumo Introdução O índice de Apgar é o principal indicador de risco imediato ao nascimento no Brasil, e os general movements (GMs) são uns dos marcadores padrão-ouro para desfechos neuromotores. No entanto, não são encontrados estudos que tenham investigado diferenças diretas na qualidade dos GMs em relação ao Apgar. Objetivo Analisar se o índice de Apgar se relaciona à qualidade dos GMs em recém-nascidos pré-termo hospitalizados e comparar a presença de fato-res de risco entre aqueles de maior risco e um grupo controle de menor risco. Métodos Trata-se de um es-tudo observacional, por análise de prontuários. Foram elegíveis 30 recém-nascidos de 34,80 ± 1,41 semanas gestacionais, hospitalizados em unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatal e divididos em grupo de maior risco (Apgar ≤ 7 no 1º e 5º minuto, peso ao nascer < 2.500 gramas) e grupo controle (Apgar > 7 no 1º e 5º minuto, peso ao nascer ≥ 2.500 gramas). Foram coletados os resultados das avaliações dos GMs pelo método de Prechtl e os f