These observations are initial critical steps towards the understanding
of “birth asphyxia” and by default interventions to reduce
its occurrence in the developing world. Thus the data indicate that
the overwhelming majority of lifeless babies at birth are in primary
apnea and will respond to basic interventions with or without FMV
particularly when initiated within the “Golden MinuteSM .14 Moreover,
if spontaneous breathing is initiated within four minutes in
response to interventions the mortality rate is approximately 1.2
per 1000 live births i.e. comparable to that observed in the developed
world. However, if there is a delay beyond four minutes in the
onset of breathing, mortality increases and approximates 7.0 per
1000 live births. In this regard the predominant cause of death was
secondary to “birth asphyxia”, with prematurity, low birth weight,
and congenital abnormalities additional causes.18