APGAR Score
Assesses neonatal condition at 1 and 5 minutes of life. Guides need for resuscitation.
Score interpretation
APGAR 0–3: Severely depressed. Requires immediate resuscitation.
→ NLS protocol: Airway positioning, suction if needed, dry and stimulate. If HR < 60: CPR. Positive pressure ventilation. Consider intubation. Neonatologist STAT.
APGAR 4–6: Moderately depressed. May require assisted ventilation.
→ Dry and stimulate. Supplemental O₂ / mask CPAP. Monitor closely. If no improvement by 5 min: PICU/NICU assessment.
APGAR 7–10: Normal neonatal adaptation.
→ Routine care. Skin-to-skin with mother. Repeat APGAR at 5 minutes. If <7 at 5 min: repeat every 5 min to 20 min.
Interpretation bands for the APGAR. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Apgar V. A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant. Anesth Analg. 1953.
- American Heart Association / AAP Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). 8th ed. 2021.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lipid Emulsion 20% (Intralipid) · Antidote / Resuscitation
- Lipid Emulsion 20% (Intralipid) · Antidote / Resuscitation
- Rozanolixizumab · Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist
- Efgartigimod alfa · Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker
- Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate / Progesterone (Preterm Birth Prevention) · Progestogen (Preterm Birth Prevention)
- Phenobarbital (Paediatric Epilepsy — Beyond Neonatal) · Barbiturate Anticonvulsant
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.