Interobserver variability of the 5-minute Apgar score

Abstract

Objectives: To assess interobserver variability of Apgar scores assigned with video recordings of neonatal resuscitation (ASvideo) and compare the scores assigned by observers of videos to the Apgar score given by staff attending the delivery (ASdel). Study design: Ten-second clips of 30 newborns taken at 5 minutes were shown to observers. Infants were 23 to 40 weeks' gestation, received varying degrees of resuscitation, and were monitored with pulse oximetry. Forty-two observers (neonatal/obstetric medical/nursing staff) scored infants' respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The value for heart rate was assigned from the oximeter, which was masked in all clips. All..