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Introduction

The Apgar score is a standardized method to assess a neonate during the first few minutes of extrauterine life.  The Apgar score ranges from 0 to 10 and is assessed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.

Apgar score definition and interpretation

The Apgar scoring system assigns a numerical value to 5 different variables, with a maximum total score of 10 ( Table 1):

Appearance (ie, color)

  • 0:  Blue or pale body and extremities
  • 1:  Pink body, blue extremities
  • 2:  Pink body and extremities

Pulse

  • 0:  Absent
  • 1:  <100/min
  • 2:  ≥100/min

Grimace (ie, reflex irritability)

  • 0:  Absent
  • 1:  Grimace
  • 2:  Cough or cry

Activity (ie, muscle tone)

  • 0:  Limp
  • 1:  Some flexion
  • 2:  Active, spontaneous

Respiration (ie, breathing effort)

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Figures

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Figure 1

Tables

Table 1
Table 2