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APGAR score

Rapid assessment of newborn clinical status.

APGAR score
Appearance (colour)
Pulse (heart rate)
Grimace (reflex irritability)
Activity (muscle tone)
Respiration
Result10 points

Reassuring newborn status.

When to use

  • Assessing a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth (and every 5 min if depressed).

Formula

One item each 0–2 for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Range 0–10.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • The score guides observation, not the decision to resuscitate, which is driven by heart rate and respiration.

References

  1. Apgar V. Curr Res Anesth Analg. 1953;32(4):260-7.