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Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - What it is

​Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a neurological complication following lack of oxygen to a baby’s brain (asphyxia) before, during or after delivery. 

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Symptoms

The baby may have an altered state of consciousness or tone or develop frank seizures. In the delivery room, the baby is often born limp and pale and needs  resuscitation to establish breathing and normal heart rate.
Long term complications of moderate –severe HIE include neurodevelopmental delay and cerebral palsy.  

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - How to prevent?

​Careful monitoring of the mother during pregnancy and labour and appropriate and timely  interventions if there are any signs of foetal distress reduces the risk of asphyxia. Timely and appropriate resuscitation at birth is essential at restoring oxygen supply to the brain and other organs. There is clear evidence that Cooling the baby (Therapeutic Hypothermia) for 72 hours after birth can limit the severity of brain injury. Ensuring that further injury to the vulnerable brain from low blood sugar, infection and seizures is limited prevents compounding of brain injury.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Causes and Risk Factors

​Acute disruption of blood supply and oxygen delivery to the foetus ( e.g. antepartum haemorrhage, cord prolapse, shoulder dystocia), foetal distress, infection and meconium aspiration, poor maternal and foetal health are contributory factors

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Diagnosis

​Diagnosis is on the basis of history, condition of the baby at birth, clinical examination and information from recording of brain activity (CFM) following the baby’s admission to the NICU. 

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Treatments

​Definitive treatment of moderate to severe HIE is Therapeutic Hypothermia  and good supportive care paying particular attention to ventilator support, blood pressure and blood sugar management etc.  

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Preparing for surgery

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Post-surgery care

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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