The first page of Dr. Virginia Apgar's proposal for the Apgar Score

The entire text:

 

A Proposal for a New Method of Evaluation of the Newborn Infant

Virginia Apgar, M.D., New York, N. Y.

 

Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and

Surgeons and the Anesthesia Service, The Presbyterian Hospital.

 

From Current Researches in Anesthesia and Analgesia, July-August, 1953, page

260. Presented before the Twenty-Seventh Annual Congress of Anesthetists,

Joint Meeting of the International Anesthesia Research Society and the

International College of Anesthetists, Virginia Beach, Virginia, September

22-25, 1952.

 

Resuscitation of infants at birth has been the subject of many articles.

Seldom have there been such imaginative ideas, such enthusiasms, and

dislikes, and such unscientific observations and study about one clinical

picture. There are outstanding exceptions to these statements, but the poor

quality and lack of precise data of the majority of papers concerned with

infant resuscitation are interesting.

 

There are several excellent review articles [l, 2] but the main emphasis in

the past has been on treatment of the asphyxiated or apneic newborn infant.

The purpose of this paper is the reestablishment of simple, clear

classification or "grading" of newborn infants which can be used as a basis

for discussion and comparison of the results of obstetric practices, types

of maternal pain relief and the effects of resuscitation.

 

The principle of giving a "score" to a patient as a sum total of several

objective findings is not new and has been used recently in judging the

treatment of drug addiction. [3] The endpoints which have been used

previously in the field of resuscitation are "breathing time" defined as the

time from delivery of the head to the first respiration, and "crying time"

the time until the establishment of a satisfactory cry. [4] Other workers

have used the terms mild, moderate and severe depression [5] to signify the

state of the infant. There are valid objections to these systems. When

mothers receive an excessive amount of depressant drugs in the antepartum

period, it is a common occurence that the infants breathe once, then become

apneic for many minutes. Evaluation of the breathing time is difficult. A

satisfactory cry is sometimes not established even when the infant leaves

the delivery room, and in some patients with cerebral injury, the baby dies

without ever having uttered a satisfactory cry. Mild, moderate and severe

depression of the infant leaves a fair margin for individual interpretation.

 

A list was made of all the objective signs which pertained in any way to the

condition of the infant at birth. Of these, five signs which could be

determined easily and without interfering with the care of the infant were

considered useful. A rating of zero, one or two was given to each sign

depending on whether it was absent or present. A score of ten indicated a

baby in the best possible condition. The time for judging the five objective

signs was varied until the most practicable and useful time was found. This

is sixty seconds after the complete birth of the baby. Insofar as possible,

the rating was done by two observers only, but as the series progressed, the

score as determined by the anesthesia resident present at the deliverv was

found to be sufficiently accurate. These ratings have been included in the

present series.

 

The signs used are as follows:

 

(1) Heart Rate. -- This was found to be the most important diagnostic and

prognostic of the five signs. A heart rate of 100-140 was considered good

and given a score of two, a rate of under 100 received a score of one, and

if no heart beat could be seen, felt or heard the score was zero. If one

attends the baby alone, it is easy to learn to look briefly at the

epigastrium or precordium for visible heart beat. while palpation of the

cord about two inches from the umbilicus is the most satisfactory method for

determining the heart rate quickly, and avoids the area of clamping or tying

of the cord. It is of great assistance to the person caring for the baby to

have an assistant demonstrate by motion of a finger of one hand the heart

rate as palpated by the other hand. In only three cases was a heart rate of

over 140 detected, accompanied by arrhythmia in two of these infants. I was

puzzled as to the proper way to rate this in these patients, but they were

given a full score of two points. The tachycardia and arrhythmias were

apparently related to an overdosage of a vasopressor drug during spinal

anesthesia for cesarean section.

 

(2) Respiratory Effort. -- An infant who was apneic at 60 seconds after

birth received a score of zero, while one who breathed and cried lustily

received a two rating. All other types of respiratory effort, such as

irregular, shallow ventilation were scored one. An infant who had gasped

once at thirty or forty-five seconds after birth, and who then became

apneic, received a zero score, since he was apneic at the time decided upon

for evaluation.

 

(3) Reflex Irritability. -- This term refers to response to some form of

stimulation. The usual testing method was suctioning the oropharynx and

nares with a soft rubber catheter which called forth a response of facial

grimaces, sneezing or coughing. Although spontaneous micturition and

defecation are not a response to an applied stimulus, they were considered

to be favorable signs if they occurred.

 

(4) Muscle Tone. -- This was an easy sign to judge, for a completely flaccid

infant received a zero score, and one with good tone, and spontaneously

flexed arms and legs which resisted extension were rated two points. We are

unable to agree with Flagg's description of spasticity [6] as a sign of

asphyxiation of the infant. The use of analeptics in the baby did not

influence this score because of the standardized early time of observation

and rating.

 

(5) Color. -- This is by far the most unsatisfactory sign and caused the

most discussion among the observers. All infants are obviously cyanotic at

birth because of their high capacity for carrying oxygen and their

relatively low oxygen content and saturation. [7] The disappearance of

cyanosis depends directly on two signs previously considered -- respiratory

effort and heart rate. Comparatively few infants were given a full score of

two for this sign, and many received zero in spite of their excellent score

for other signs. The foreign material so often covering the skin of the

infant at birth interfered with interpreting this sign, as did the inherited

pigmentation of the skin of colored children, and an occasional congenital

defect. Many children for reasons still mysterious to us, persist in having

cyanotic hands and feet for several minutes in spite of excellent

ventilation, and added oxygen. A score of two was given only when the entire

child was pink. Several hundred children were rated at three or five minutes

as well as at sixty seconds and in almost all cases a score of two could be

given for color at these later times. This finding agrees well with the heel

blood oxygen studies in 402 infants, conducted at Sloane Hospital during

1947-48. [8] In an occasional instance the color was worse at five minutes

than at sixty seconds. and these cases were therefore missed with our usual

method of evaluation.

 

It has been most gratifying to note the enthusiastic interest and

competitive spirit displayed by the obstetric house staff who took great

pride in a baby with a high score. The same trend of interest has been noted

in another hospital which has undertaken the ratings of babies in this

manner. [9]

 

Material

 

During the period of this report (seven and one-half months) 2096 infants

were born in the Sloane Hospital for Women. Eighty-four per cent of the

anesthesia records of these births are on file. The missing 16 per cent are

chiefly those with pudendal blocks or "natural childbirth" patients. The

omission of these cases is regrettable for they form the best control group

for any study on infant resuscitation. Little attempt will be made to

analyze these figures statistically for the groups are still too small for

such treatment.

 

Seventeen hundred and sixty charts were available for study. Twenty-seven

infants were stillbirths, or a rate of 1.5 per cent. One thousand and

twenty-one of the infants born alive were rated by the method just described

and comprise the data for this report. Seven hundred and twelve infants were

not rated.

 

Type of Delivery and Score

 

No. of Infants Score

Low forceps or spontaneous 843 8.4

 

Cesarean section 141 6.8

 

Midforceps delivery 17 6.9

 

Breech delivery 16 6.7

 

Version and breech extraction 4 6.3

 

The infants in the best condition one minute after birth are those born

vaginally with the occiput the presenting part. The incidence of the use of

low forceps in this clinic is 34 per cent and after a two year daily

observation of routine deliveries it did not seem to be of value to separate

the spontaneous deliveries from those in which low forceps were used.

Delivery by any other means produced no difference in the infants. The score

for all these was slightly less favorable than those born spontaneously or

with low forceps.

 

Cesarean Sections. -- The cesarean section rate at Sloane Hospital is 10.5

per cent during this period. The anesthesia methods for the 141 rated

infants born by cesarean section are listed:

 

Infants Average Score

Spinal anesthesia 83 8.0

General anesthesia 54 5.0

Epidural or caudal 4 6.3

 

The method used for spinal anesthesia was a single dose of nupercaine 0.25

per cent made hyperbaric with dextrose, in doses ranging from 6 to 7.5 mg,

or pontocaine 0.3 per cent, hyperbaric, from 7 to 9 mg. A 22 gauge needle

was used. No supplementary anesthesia was given to these patients until

after the birth of the infant. General anesthesia in all cases was

accomplished with cyclopropane and oxygen. In 20 cases to be discussed later

a relaxant was used with cyclopropane. Fractional epidural or caudal

anesthesia (0.75 per cent xylocaine) was continued in 4 cases for cesarean

section after a trial of labor.

 

The indications for general anesthesia in cesarean section are thought to be

a history of syphilis, septicemia. severe hemorrhage, or a history of

traumatic experience with spinal anesthesia. Although this method does not

take into account maternal risk or antepartum fetal problems, it is apparent

that the mothers of the potentially poor risk infants received spinal

anesthesia. In spite of this and the frequent maternal hypotension, the

condition of the infants after spinal anesthesia was definitely better than

after general anesthesia. The average time for delivery of the infant after

induction of general ansthesia was fourteen minutes and twenty-four minutes

after the administration of spinal anesthesia.

 

There is questionable support of the theory [10] that infants who have been

subjected to a trial of labor are in better condition than those in whom

cesarean section was chosen electively, as indicated below.

 

Infants Average Score

Patients in labor 57 7.1

Patients not in labor 84 6.7

 

These small groups have been analyzed statistically [11] and are not

statistically significant.

 

In obstetric circles there has been the subtle impression that the lower the

cesarean section rate in a clinic, the better was the practice of

obstetrics. There is a slight trend away from this idea, and that at times

even cesarean section is a conservative form of therapy. [12]

 

We have felt that with individual attention to selection of anesthetic

agents and their administration by competent anesthesiologists, that infant

survival after elective cesarean section might be made as successful as

after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. That we have not yet reached this

point is illustrated in the next table. The group of cesarean section

patients who had no antepartum problems and in whom labor was not present

(secondary and tertiary sections) was compared with a similar group of

vaginal deliveries in whom no problems of any kind were apparent. All

received spinal anesthesia. The condition of the infants delivered vaginally

was better than those delivered by cesarean section.

 

Infants Average Score

Normal, elective sections 38 7.7

Normal, low forceps or spont. 38 9.0

 

The most obvious difference between the two groups is the presence of labor

in those delivered vaginally and the absence of labor in the section group.

We do not know whether this implies some beneficial effect of labor on

respiration, circulation and general well-being of the infant.

 

The experimental reports on the lack of placental transfer of

d-tubocurarine, flaxedil, decamethonium [13, 14, 15, 16] are intriguing.

Several clinical reports seem to bear out this somewhat surprising finding.

Other papers are in disagreement. [17] In an effort to test this possibility

clinically, 20 patients received a relaxant intravenously as a means of

keeping the patient from moving, accompanied by as light a plane of

cyclopropane as would produce unconsciousness. Seventeen received

d-tubocurarine, and 1 patient each received flaxedil, succinylcholine and

decamethonium bromide. Thirteen infants were rated.

 

Infants Average Score

Sections: Cyclopropane without relaxant 41 5.0

Sections: Cyclopropane with relaxant 13 5.0

 

In addition to the fact that there was no difference in the infant's

condition with or without the use as a relaxant, 70 per cent of the infants

with relaxant needed oxygen administration in some form, while the number

needing oxygen after cyclopropane anesthesia alone was likewise 70 per cent.

The infants are not in better condition with relaxants and nothing is to be

gained by the use of curare or similar drugs for cesarean section

anesthesia. The occasional maternal respiratory depression necessitating

assisted respiration is a distinct disadvantage to the technique.

 

Breech Deliveries. -- There were 16 cases of breech deliveries excluding

twins and version and breech extraction. All but one who precipitated

without anesthesia were anesthetized with general anesthesia in a plane as

light as compatible with the obstetric maneuvers. Nitrous oxide, ethylene or

cyclopropane were used for this purpose. The average score was 6.7,

essentially the same as for cesarean section infants. Regional methods were

not used in this small group.

 

Twins. -- Nine pairs of twins were delivered by a variety of methods. The

average score of the 18 babies was remarkably good, 8.6, and probably

reflects the use of minimal medication during the final stage of labor. The

use of regional anesthesia, however, again produced better results than

general anesthesia in this small series.

 

Infants Average Score

Twins, general anesthesia 14 8.2

Twins, regional anesthesia 4 9.8

 

The condition of the first twin was somewhat better than the second.

 

Infants Average Score

Twin A 9 8.9

Twin B 9 8.2

 

Midforceps Delivery. -- The condition of the infants following midforceps

delivery was the same as by section or by breech delivery. There was no

difference relating to the anesthetic method.

 

Infants Average Score

Midforceps, general anesthesia 11 6.8

Midforceps, regional anesthesia 6 7.0

 

Low Forceps and Spontaneous Deliveries. -- This large group showed some

improvement in the infant's condition following the use of regional

anesthesia.

 

Infants Average Score

General anesthesia 692 8.2

Spinal anesthesia 25 8.9

Epidural, caudal anesthesia 102 9.1

Pudendal or no anesthesia 24 9.2

 

Prematurity

 

There were 70 infants in this series whose birth weights were between 500

and 2500 grams. The nonviable premature infants, under 500 grams, were

excluded and considered to be abortions. The youngest child who has survived

in the Premature Nursery of the Babies Hospital weighed 580 grams. Regional

anesthesia again was associated with a better score for the child.

 

Infants Average Score

Premature, general anes. 44 8.0

Premature, regional anes. 24 9.2

Premature, no anes. ppt. 2 2.0

 

Resuscitation

 

Oxygen, suction, some method of positive pressure, endotracheal tubes and an

infant laryngoscope are present in every delivery room. Oxygen was used

freely if the infant's condition was not good. The three types of

administration used are:

 

(1) Face oxygen, in which method oxygen is added to inspired air, but

without increase in pressure at the face.

 

(2) Positive pressure mask, in which a small mask is held snugly on the

infant's face, and some degree of positive pressure is applied to the

pharynx.

 

(3) Endotracheal oxygen, in which direct laryngoscopy is performed,

additional suction used if necessary, and intubation accomplished. Positive

pressure usually with added oxygen is implied in this method.

 

The details of these methods and indications for their use as well as

discussion of other resuscitative measures will be the subject of other

communications.

 

Three hundred thirty six or 19.4 per cent of the 1733 living infants

received oxygen by some method. Of this group

 

* 156 or 46 per cent received face oxygen.

* 111 or 33 per cent received positive pressure mask.

* 13 or 4 per cent received endotracheal oxygen.

* 56 or 17 per cent received an unspecified method.

 

The survival rate following the use of endotracheal oxygen in this clinic

over a 3 year period is between 60 and 70 per cent of the cases in which it

has been employed.

 

The incidence of the use of oxygen for the infant following the various

routes of deliveries is as follows:

 

Cesarean section 54 per cent

Midforceps 8 per cent

Breech delivery 37 per cent

Low forceps and spont. 15 per cent

 

In 217 of 336 infants who received oxygen, ratings were obtained and the

method of administration was recorded.

 

Cases Average Score

Face oxygen 117 6.7

Positive pressure mask 90 3.9

Endotracheal oxygen 10 2.1

 

In 14 of the group of 117 cases receiving face oxygen, a score of 9 or 10

was given, and these infants undoubtedly did not need the oxygen so

administered.

 

Neonatal Deaths

 

There were 25 neonatal deaths in the entire group of 2096 deliveries, or a

rate of 1.2 per cent. If the 38 stillbirths over 500 grams are included, the

total fetal loss was 64 infants, or a rate of 3.0 per cent of total infants

born. The distribution by type of delivery is as follows:

 

Type Cases Neonatal Per Cent

Deaths of Type

Cesarean section 220 2 0.9 per cent

Breech deliveries 54 5 9.3 per cent

Low, midforceps and spont. 1822 18 1.0 per cent

 

Fourteen of the infants who died were under 2500 Gm. birth weight,

representing a mortality of 7.8 per cent of the total number of premature

infants born alive. Of the 11 mature infants who died, all had obstetric or

medical reasons for their deaths. In this series anesthesia complications

apparently did not contribute to the death of any case. Twelve of the

infants who later died were rated at birth and averaged 2.3 points.

 

In order to check the approximate accuracy of the various scores, the fate

of the infants in poor, fair and good condition was examined. After this

initial experience, it seems to us that groups 8, 9, and 10 indicate infants

in good condition, 0, 1, and 2, poor condition, and the remaining scores,

fair condition.

 

Score Infants Deaths in this Group

0, 1, or 2 65 9 or 14 per cent

3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 182 2 or 1.1 per cent

8, 9, or 10 772 1 or 0.13 per cent

 

Thus, the prognosis of an infant is excellent if he receives one of the

upper three scores, and poor if one of the lowest 3 scores. From this we may

also conclude that color as a sign is relatively unimportant when observed

one minute after birth.

 

Summary

 

A practical method of evaluation of the condition of the newborn infant one

minute after birth has been described. A rating of ten points described the

best possible condition with two points each given for respiratory effort,

reflex irritability, muscle tone, heart rate and color. Various applications

of this method are presented.

 

The author wishes to acknowledge gratefully the assistance and encouragement

of H. C. Taylor, Jr., M. D. The data were collected with the technical

assistance of Rita Ruane, R.N.

 

Bibliography

 

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Basis for Resuscitation of the Newborn, Internat. Abstr. Surg. 86:417-428

(May) 1948.

 

2. Smith, C. A.: Effects of Birth Processes and Obstetric Procedure upon the

Newborn lnfant. Advances In Pediatrics. Interscience Publishers. New York.

1938, vol. 3, chap. 1, pp. 1-54.

 

3. Kolb, L., and Himmelsbach, C. K.: Clinical Studies of Drug Addiction III,

Washington Public Health Reports. U. S. Treas. Dept., 1938, Supplement 128,

pp 23-31.

 

4. Hapke, F. B., and Barnes, A. C.: The Obstetric Use and Effect on Fetal

Respiration of Nisentil, Am. J. Obst. & Gynec. 58:799-801 (Oct.) 1949.

 

5. Eckenhoff, J. E.; Hoffman, G. L.; and Dripps, R. D.: N-allyl Normorphine,

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6. Flagg, P.: The Art of Rescuscitation, New York, Reinhold Publishing Co.,

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7. Eastman, N. J.: Foetal Blood Studies. I. The Oxygen Relationships of the

Umbilical Cord at Birth, Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 47:221-230, 1930.

 

8. Apgar, V.: Oxygen as Supportive Therapy in Fetal Anoxia, Bull. N. Y.

Acad. Med. 26: 2nd series, 474:478 (July) 1950.

 

9. Fleming: Personal communications.

 

10. Bloxsom, A.: The Difficulty in Beginning Respiration Seen in Infants

Delivered by Cesarean Section, J. Pediat. 20:215-222 (Feb.) 1942.

 

11. Frumin, J.: Personal communication.

 

12. Harris, J. M. et al: The Case of Reevaluation of Indications for

Cesarean Section, West. J. Surg. 59:327-356, 1951.

 

13. Harroun, P., and Fisher, C. W.: The Physiological Effects of Curare,

Surg., Gynec. & Obst. 89:73-75, 1949.

 

14. Young, I. M.: Abdominal Relaxation with Decamethonium Iodide During

Cesarean Section, Lancet 1:1052-1053, 1949.

 

15. McMann, W.: Curare with General Anesthesia for Vaginal Deliveries, Am.

J. Obst. & Gynec. 60:1366-1368 (Dec.) 1950.

 

16. Scurr, C.: A Comparative Review of the Relaxants, Br. J. Anaesth.

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17. Davenport, H. T.: D-Tubocurarine Chloride for Cesarean Sections: Report

of 210 Cases, Br. J. Anaesth. 23:66-80 (Apr.) 1951.