Relational study of heart rhythm disorders in newborns of mothers with anemia
Abstract
Introduction: Currently, gestational anemia and its prevalence are among the most concerning issues for Public Health, affecting both the mother and the newborn. Maternal anemia has been described as a potential influence on neonatal heart rate, through reduced oxygen transport and altered placental perfusion. However, evidence regarding this association is limited.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of bradycardia and tachycardia in neonates of mothers with anemia.
Methods: An observational, relational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted in women diagnosed with gestational anemia and their children during the year 2025 at a tertiary care hospital in Guayaquil, selected by simple random sampling. Information was obtained through the review of medical records in the AS400 system and analyzed using SPSS Software.
Results: Of the 164 newborns, 43 (26.2%) presented heart rhythm disorders, with tachycardia being the most frequent; followed by bradycardia with 42 neonates (26.0%) and 1 case for 0.61%. A notable statistical association was found between newborn heart rate and the degree of anemia (p = 0.0002). Additionally, a relationship was found between respiratory rate at birth and gestational week (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The prevalence of rhythm disorders in neonates of mothers with anemia in this study is 26.2%; resulting in a significant association with the degree of anemia.
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