[Follow-up of newborns with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy]

Abstract

Hypothermia treatment for newborn infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy reduces the number of neonates who die or have permanent neurological deficits. Although this therapy is now standard of care, neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy still has a significant impact on the child's neurodevelopment and quality of life. Infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy should be enrolled in multidisciplinary follow-up programs in order to detect impairments, to initiate early intervention, and to provide counselling and support for families. This article describes the main neurodevelopmental outcomes after term neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. We offer recommendations for follow-up based on the infant's clinical condition and other prognostic indicators, mainly neonatal neuroimaging. Other aspects, such as palliative care and medico-legal issues, are also briefly discussed.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Developmental outcomes; Encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica; Follow-up program; Hipotermia; Hypothermia; Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy; Neurodesarrollo; Parálisis cerebral; Seguimiento.