APGAR Score: Assessment of Newborn Vitality
The APGAR score is a rapid clinical method used to assess the physical condition of the newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. It is not used to guide resuscitation.
1. The APGAR Components
| Sign | 0 Points | 1 Point | 2 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Blue, pale | Pink body, blue extremities | Completely pink |
| Pulse | Absent | Below 100 bpm | Above 100 bpm |
| Grimace | No response | Grimace/feeble cry | Sneeze/cough/pulls away |
| Activity | Limp | Some flexion | Active motion |
| Respiration | Absent | Slow, irregular | Good, crying |
2. Clinical Interpretation
- Score 7–10: Normal (Good condition).
- Score 4–6: Fair (Mild to moderate distress).
- Score 0–3: Poor (Severe distress; requires immediate resuscitation).
3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls
- Timing: Scores are performed at 1 and 5 minutes. If the 5-minute score is <7, additional scores should be recorded every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes.
- Resuscitation: Never delay resuscitation to calculate the APGAR score. The score is a retrospective assessment, not a trigger for clinical action.
NEET PG Hint: Remember: The APGAR score does not predict long-term neurological outcome. For more high-yield neonatology protocols and free medical questions, visit mymedschool.org.