What is it about?
We reported on 274 newborns who had hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a serious condition where blood flow to the brain is compromised potentially causing brain injury with long term disability. Specific delays in circulation changes that should occur from in-utero life to independent breathing in all babies called persistent pulmonary hypertension were assessed. Babies with these circulatory delays were sicker overall, but they did not have more brain injury on MRI, or seizures. However, the most severely affected had the highest death rate.
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Why is it important?
The fact that there is a delay in circulation change which is sometimes difficult to treat does not seem to have an impact on brain outcome as seen on changes on imaging. When faced with a baby like that, the prognosis seem to remain the same, except for in the worst cases. Therapeutic Hypothermia should not be discontinued because of this condition even when severe.
Perspectives
When we treat babies like this, every minute and everything we do count to try to preserve as much as possible brain and long-term function. Knowing that despite a baby having difficulties adjusting their circulation that the outcome seems unaffected, makes us more confident supporting the baby through the transition period.
Amelie Stritzke
University of Calgary
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Persistent pulmonary hypertension and short-term neurological outcomes in infants with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, August 2024, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/npm-230032.
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