Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (1)

Question 1

What is this?

What can it lead to?

When should you suspect this?

What are the causes of it?

Answer 1

➊ Brain damage resulting from hypoxia around birth

➋ Permanent brain damage → Cerebral Palsy

➌ When there are events that could cause hypoxia during birth, acidosis, poor Apgar scores or evidence of multi-organ failure

➍ Anything that leads to hypoxia of the brain:
• Maternal shock
• Antepartum haemorrhage
• Cord prolapse
• Umbilical cord wrapped about neck

Question 2

How is it managed?
→ Why is this done?

Answer 2

Therapeutic Hypothermia
→ Helps protect brain as it reduces inflammation and prevents further damage by secondary reperfusion injury after the acute hypoxic injury

Question 3

What is the main complication of this?
→ Which features indicate an increased risk of this?

Answer 3

Cerebral Palsy
→ Lethargy, hypotonia/flaccidity, seizures, reduced consciousness, and reduced/absent reflexes