It has been demonstrated that high concentrations of oxygen lead to generation of oxygen free radicals, which have a role in reperfusion injury after asphyxia. Research by Ola Didrik Saugstad and others led to new international guidelines on newborn resuscitation in 2010, recommending the use of normal air instead of 100% oxygen.There is considerable controversy over the diagnosis of birth asphyxia due to medicolegal reasons. Because of its lack of precision, the term is eschewed in modern obstetrics. Cause
Basically, understanding of the etiology of perinatal asphyxia provides the platform on which to build on its pathophysiology. The  general principles guiding the causes and the pathophysiology of perinatal asphyxia are grouped into antepartum causes and intra partum causes. As these are the various points to which insults can occur to the foetus. Antepartum causes
Inadequate oxygenation of maternal blood due to hypoventilation during anesthesia, heart diseases, pneumonia, respiratory failure
Low maternal blood pressure due to hypotension e.g. compression of vena cava and aorta, excess anaesthesia.
This is due to the effect of gravity, hence the name inverse hypopyon. Treatment
A hypopyon should not be drained, because it offers protection against the invading pathogen due to the presence of white blood cells, although long-standing hypopyon can cause close-angle glaucoma and anterior synechiae.Intravitreal antibiotics can be used if endophthalmitis is suspected. See also
Hyphema
Uveitis

References


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