Virginia Apgar (1909-1974): The Mother of Neonatal Resuscitation

Cureus. 2024 May 26;16(5):e61115. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61115. eCollection 2024 May.

Abstract

Dr. Virginia Apgar was an American anesthesiologist and researcher who heavily influenced the development of neonatal resuscitation in the immediate postpartum period with her simple five-point scoring system. Today, the APGAR scoring system is used around the world in delivery rooms to guide clinicians in the evaluation of newborns and to distinguish which might need urgent resuscitation. With a simple scoring system, timer, and clipboard, Dr. Virginia Apgar shifted focus from the parturient to the neonate, improving infant mortality as a result.

Keywords: anesthesiology; apgar score; neonatal resuscitation; obstetric anesthesia; obstetrics; pediatric resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Review