Apgar Family Association: Notable Apgar Ancestors

APGAR: Notable Apgar Ancestors (Apgar Family Association, Inc.)

One of our more well-known relatives is Dr. Virginia Apgar, a descendant of Conrad Apgar. She was a pioneer in the field of pediatrics and developed the scoring system for newborn babies - the Apgar Score

Biographical information on Dr. Virginia was recently included in the online edition of the New Yorker Magazine.

A PROPOSAL FOR A NEW METHOD OF EVALUATION OF THE NEWBORN INFANT
by Dr. Virginia Apgar (1953)

SITE SUMMARY: First presented at the Joint Meeting of the International Anesthesia Research Society and International College of Anesthetists, September 1952, then published in CURRENT RESEARCHES IN ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA, July-August 1953, this paper suggests a multi-part method of determining newborn babies' state of health as soon as possible, to quickly detect life-threatening problems and avoid complications. This method - now know as the Apgar Score, after the Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital doctor who proposed it - is now a standard test procedure given to babies soon after birth. This paper is a highlight of the official Virginia Apgar web site, a feature of the Apgar Family web site. Their web addresses are cited under Related Sites (with site descriptions) at the end of this page.

**The information contained on this page has been written and compiled by Carolyn Johnson and appears in her book USING INTERNET PRIMARY SOURCES TO TEACH CRITICAL THINKING IN THE SCIENCES (published by Libraries Unlimited, Fall 2002)

QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

1. (A) Identify the five tests Apgar suggests for 'simple, clear classification or "grading" of newborn infants. (B) Explain Score ratings in Paper in connection with fair, good and poor conditions.

2. If a newborn baby has a 2 rating for test #1 and a 1 rating for test #2, what is the baby's condition?

3. How are test descriptions and timing somewhat different on the Apgar Chart at the Apgar Score Chart (1998) site from what Apgar states in her paper? [See web address for Apgar Score Chart (1998) under Related Sites at end of this chapter].

4. Today, besides the Apgar tests, other tests are given to newborns. [See information at web sites on Table & Fact Sheets of AAP Newborn Screening Tests, March of Dimes' Public Health Information Sheet, and Newborn Screening Practitioners Manual (whose web addresses are cited under Related Sites below)]. Should any tests be given? Which tests do you think: (a) are essential? (b) may not be necessary?

5. Some tests require a baby's heel to be pricked to obtain blood. Another test requires a suction device to be used in a baby's nose. Should these invasive procedures, usually stressful and painful, be done? Why? or Why not?

6. (A) Should special tests automatically be given if there is a family history of a medical condition? (B) Should parents' religious beliefs be followed (a) always? (b) sometimes? even if baby's condition seems to require medical attention? (C) Who should judge these situations? How?

7. Visit official Apgar web page. Its address is at Related Sites below. Note the acronym developed to help people remember Apgar test types at a glance. How does it help one remember? Make an acronym for something else science-related. Describe its value.

RELATED SITES

OFFICIAL DR. VIRGINIA APGAR WEB PAGE
Features biographical data on Apgar, information on acronym based on her name to help remembrance of Score features, and links accepting her induction into National Women's Hall of Fame; and to sites in medical areas in which Dr. Apgar worked.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE - Profiles in Science
This site profiles prominent scientists, physicians, and others who have advanced the scientific enterprise available to the public.

APGAR SCORE CHART (1998)
Shows at a glance: Sign of what is being tested, Score Number, what is Shows at a glance: Sign of what is being tested, Score Number, what is observed/done to determine Score, and what condition each Score represents.

NEWBORN SCREENING TESTS - Fact Sheets, Table, Policy Statement
This page, set up by the American Academy of Pediatrics, describes 11 tests now given to newborn infants in the U.S., and provides links to: a Table (showing which states give particular tests since no national standard requirements exist) and AAP 1992 Policy Statement on Issues in Newborn Screening.

NEWBORN SCREENING TESTS - Public Health Information Sheet
The March of Dimes, for the AAP, describes disorders tests detect, which tests are usually given, how soon after birth tests are done, how tests are done.

NEWBORN SCREENING PRACTITIONER'S MANUAL (1998)
Manual by Mountain States Regional Genetic Services Network emphasizes guidelines in U.S. mountain states region, but follows general national procedures. Describes tests given. Indicates inheritance issue. Note also link to the MSRGS Network's.

GENETIC DRIFT periodical online (edited by Carol Clericuzio MD, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque).

Note especially its links to articles in its Winter 1998, Vol. 15, issue on ISSUES IN NEWBORN SCREENING.

NEONATOLOGY ON THE WEB
Features links (e.g. to: Classic Papers from Neonatal Literature, Resources Recently Added, Literature Citation of the Month, Resources Elsewhere on the Internet) featuring writings by pediatric professionals; and some articles that first appeared in medical journals such as FUTURE OF CHILDREN.

ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRICS AND ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
Online version of oldest journal in this medical area published by the American Medical Association. Features - from previous four years, by active pediatric professionals - articles on clinical studies, work commentaries, editorials, pediatric medicine updates.