BIRTH ASPHYXIA

The term Birth asphyxia covers a number of clinical and physiological definitions. Birth asphyxia is a relatively common clinical event. In the majority of cases the outcome in terms of brain damage and future development of the child is excellent. However, a small number of chil dren go on to develop patterns of brain damage which are then associat ed with disability. The article seeks to provide a basic understanding of the various mechanisms involved in producing injury. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd.