Neonatal Encephalopathy: Treatment With Hypothermia

Abstract

This article evaluates the pathophysiology of brain injury from hypoxia-ischemia in preclinical models and the role of hypothermia as neuroprotection following this injury. The diagnosis of encephalopathy due to hypoxia and ischemia in term and near-term infants following acute perinatal asphyxia is clarified. The neuroprotective effect of hypothermia when initiated before 6 hours of age for 72 hours to a depth of 33.0°C to 34.0°C in reducing death and disability is reviewed. Therapeutic hypothermia is safe and effective when applied according to published clinical trial protocols, although gaps in knowledge still remain.