Evolution in the Care of the Neonate at Risk for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Challenging to assess and treat, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) commonly leads to disability and death worldwide – yet neonatologist Timothy A. Sanders, MD, finds reasons to be hopeful as he explores advances in the neurocritical care of newborns and discusses the results of recent trials. In this presentation, he explains how to recognize neonatal encephalopathy and cases of HIE in particular (not all encephalopathy is hypoxic ischemic); describes risk factors, which may be related to either the pregnant patient or the fetus; and does a deep dive into therapeutic hypothermia for HIE, showing evidence on which newborns may benefit as well as when the treatment has been shown to cause harm and increase mortality.      

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the multiple etiologies associated with neonatal encephalopathy.

• Evaluate the risk factors and presentation of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

• Analyze the current treatment strategy related to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

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