Advances in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of neonatal encephalopathy in term or near-term neonates. Despite advances in perinatal care, HIE remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Survivors of HIE are at high risk for lifelong neurodevelopmental impairments, which imposes substantial social and economic burdens on families and health care systems. This article provides a clinically-focused overview of HIE in term neonates, highlighting key investigations, management strategies, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and areas in need of further study.

Keywords: Brain injury; Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; MR spectroscopy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neonatal encephalopathy; Neurodevelopment; Neuroprognostication; Term infant.