Haemorrhagic shock encephalopathy syndrome

Abstract

Haemorrhagic shock encephalopathy syndrome is a recently described condition which appears to be an important cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Six infants, with some features of this condition, admitted to Dunedin Hospital during the last three years, are presented and their diagnoses reviewed. Diagnostic overlap may occur between haemorrhagic shock encephalopathy syndrome, hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and near miss sudden infant death syndrome. An investigative approach to the infant with shock and acute encephalopathy is outlined.