HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

ABSTRACT

Cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (asphyxia) occurring in the fetus and newborn infant is a major cause of acute mortality and chronic neurological disability in survivors. This review highlights many practical aspects of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, including neuropathological features, obstetrical antecedents, and clinically important aspects of identification, management, and prognosis. Diagnostic techniques, including neuro-imaging, to diagnose hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy also are discussed. A thorough knowledge of the clinical spectrum of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy should enable neonatologists to undertake appropriate management strategies and prognostic indicators.

KEYWORD

Asphyxia - brain - fetus - hypoxia-ischemia - perinatal

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