State variable model and analysis of birth asphyxia

In India, a significant percentage of high risk births, up to 20%, are affected by perinatal asphyxia. Birth asphyxia is associated with deficient mental and physical development, the severity of which leads to mortality. It is very important that a comprehensive quantitative study of the phenomenon is undertaken and a risk index formulated. Preventive measures can then be taken to avert the emergent situation. In the present paper, neuronal sequelae to neonatal asphyxia were identified and a compartmental model was developed with each compartment representing a physiological parameter. The rate constants of the model were derived from literature and other experimental studies. To obtain online data on the parameters pO/sub 2/, pCO/sub 2/, pH, cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and heart rate an experimental study was conducted on a monkey. Online intracranial pressure monitoring during asphyxia was done through an artificial fontanel opening. A risk index was thus formulated to determine the severity of asphyxia to enable the pediatricians to take corrective action.