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Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy - Oren Zarif - Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy


Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition of the brain that occurs during the prenatal or intrapartum period. It has devastating effects on the infant's development. About 60% of affected infants develop cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or epilepsy. While the cause of HIE is unknown, its treatment is critical to the child's health.

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A diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can be made by performing neuroimaging techniques such as MRIs. But before these tests can be performed, a doctor must first suspect that the child has the disease. In some cases, the condition can be detected at birth, which makes it all the more important to monitor the baby closely. Besides neuroimaging, clinical observation of the child's development can help a physician make the correct diagnosis.

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The underlying cause of HIE is unknown, but some risk factors have been noted, including birth asphyxia and prolonged reduction of cerebral blood flow. Some of these conditions include severe prematurity, congenital brain malformations, or even hypotension. Other potential causes include poor blood pressure in the newborn and severe lung disease or heart disease. However, most cases of HIE do not show any signs of asphyxia or other pre-existing conditions.

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In severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, the tissue becomes ineffective at absorbing oxygen from the blood. The resulting injury, a mismatch between cerebral blood flow and oxidative metabolism, is responsible for the development of HIE. Whatever the underlying cause of HIE, the final pathways that lead to cerebral death are the same. The extent and location of the cell death depend on the nature of the insult.

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The underlying cause of HIE is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with perinatal asphyxia or a specific genetic syndrome. Although neonatal HIE is the most common type, other causes of HIE include infections, metabolic syndromes, or specific genetic conditions. Asphyxia and HIE have other names, there are many causes of neonatal encephalopathy. Hence, it is important to know the cause and the best treatment for neonatal HIE.

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A hypoxic ischemic encephalopathic condition of the brain is a serious health issue. This disorder may cause permanent disability. The degree of disability is determined by the length of oxygen deprivation and the area of brain affected. In most cases, full-term infants are affected, but it is possible to develop this condition in premature babies. The severity and extent of damage will depend on the type of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and the cause of the hypoxic ischemia.

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Early-stage perinatal hypoxia is a leading cause of death in neonates. Hypothermia is the most effective treatment for neonatal HIE, but there is still room for further study. Combined therapy of hypothermia and neuroprotective strategies may lead to better neurological outcomes. Even though treatment of HIE is not a cure, the condition is often curable. With continued research and care, perinatal HIE can be prevented or even reversed.

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Early treatment of HIE is critical in preventing or limiting the progression of neurological damage. Hypothermia slows down the baby's metabolic rate and avoids reperfusion injury, which occurs when normal blood flow is restored too quickly. The rapid return of oxygenation can increase the risk of increased inflammation and the release of harmful compounds. Hypothermia stabilizes the brain's cells and limits damaging inflammation.

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Therapeutic hypothermia is a commonly-used therapy for HIE. It involves cooling the baby's body and brain after birth, which slows the cascade effect and reduces neurologic disability in the infant. In most cases, therapeutic hypothermia must be administered within six hours of birth, although there is some evidence that it may be possible to give therapy up to 24 hours after birth. In severe cases, lifelong care is necessary.

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