Neonatal Asphyxia: A Literature Review

Neonatal Asphyxia: A Literature Review

Author Name : Ms. Harshita Harbola

ABSTRACT

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of newborn brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow. HIE is a type of birth injury; this is a broad term used to refer to any harm that a baby experiences at or near the time of birth. Other terms used for HIE include birth asphyxia, Perinatal asphyxia, and neonatal encephalopathy. In some cases, therapeutic hypothermia can prevent or minimize permanent brain damage, although it must be given within just hours of the baby’s birth/oxygen-depriving injury. However, with and without therapeutic hypothermia, many infants with HIE go on to develop permanent health conditions and disorders. These include cerebral palsy (CP), cognitive disabilities, epilepsy, hearing and vision impairments, and much more. HIE is managed using a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia, where the baby’s brain or body is cooled down below normal temperatures to slow the cascade effect that causes widespread damage. This allows the baby’s brain to recover and reduces the level of disability they may have as they grow. According to current guidelines, the treatment must be given within six hours of birth, although there is some evidence to suggest it may be beneficial when given up to 24 hours.

Keywords:  Neonates; Asphyxia; hypoxic; ischemia; encephalopathy.