Neonatal encephalopathy

src: www.frontiersin.org

neonatal encephalopathy ( NE ), also known as neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy ( neonatal HIE or NHIE ), defined by the signs and symptoms of abnormal neurological function within the first few days of life in the infant born at term time. Under these conditions, there is the difficulty of starting and maintaining respiration, an abnormal level of consciousness, and depression associated with tone, reflexes, and seizures. Encephalopathy is a nonspecific response of the brain to injury that may occur through several methods, but is generally caused by birth asphyxia.

Video Neonatal encephalopathy

Signs and symptoms

In neonates born on or over 35 weeks, neonatal encephalopathy may appear as the following symptoms:

• The level of consciousness decreases
• Seizure (which peaked at 48 hours)
• Difficulty getting started and maintaining respiration
• Tone depression and reflexes

Maps Neonatal encephalopathy

Diagnosis

Cord blood gas analysis can be used to determine whether perinatal/asphyxia hypoxia, which is a potential cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy, and provides insight into the causes of intrapartum fetal disorders. A cord blood gas analysis is indicated for high-risk pregnancies, in cases where the C-section occurs due to fetal compromise, if there is an abnormal fetal heart rate, Apgar score 3 or lower, intrapartum fever, or multifetal pregnancy.

Evidence of brain injury associated with hypoxic-ischemic events leading to neonatal encephalopathy can be seen with brain MRI, CT, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound spectroscopy.

Neonatal encephalopathy can be assessed using Sarnat staging.

src: pediatrics.aappublications.org

Treatment

In the past, treatment options were limited to supportive medical therapy. Currently neonatal encephalopathy is treated using hypothermia therapy.

src: fn.bmj.com

Epidemiology

Overall, the relative incidence of neonatal encephalopathy was estimated between 2 and 9 per 1000 live births. 40% to 60% of affected infants die at age 2 or have severe disabilities. By 2013 it is estimated to have resulted in 644,000 deaths falling from 874,000 deaths in 1990.

src: pediatrics.aappublications.org

Prognosis

HIE is a major predictor of neurodevelopmental defects in term infants. 25 percent have a permanent neurological deficit.

May cause developmental delays or periventricular leukomalacia.

src: i.ytimg.com

References

src: fn.bmj.com

External links

Source of the article : Wikipedia