Apgar score

Last revised by Travis Fahrenhorst-Jones on 19 Feb 2024

The Apgar score is a standardized assessment of newborn wellbeing. The score can be calculated by using the scoring's eponymous name as a mnemonic for remembering the 5 factors: each is graded as 0, 1 or 2 with a total possible score of 10. The lower the score the worse the prognosis.

The assessment is performed immediately following birth and is subsequently repeated 5 minutes later. A low score initially may indicate the neonate requires medical attention, whereas the latter score at 5 minutes is associated with a poor prognosis.

  • 0: central cyanosis

  • 1: peripheral cyanosis (acrocyanosis)

  • 2: no cyanosis

  • 0: absent

  • 1: <100 bpm

  • 2: >100 bpm

  • 0: no response to stimulation

  • 1: grimace/feeble cry when stimulated

  • 2: sneeze/cough/pulls away when stimulated

  • 0: none

  • 1: some flexion

  • 2: active movement

  • 0: absent

  • 1: weak or irregular

  • 2: strong

The scoring system was originally described by American anaesthesiologist Virginia Apgar (1909-1974) in 1952 1.

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