Therapeutic Hypothermia: How Can We Optimize This Therapy to Further Improve Outcomes?

Abstract

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy remains associated with considerable death and disability. In multiple randomized controlled trials, therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy among term infants has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing death and disability in survivors. In this article, the current status of infant and childhood outcomes following this therapy is reviewed. The clinical approaches that may help to optimize this innovative neuroprotective therapy are presented.

Keywords: Cooling; Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; Neonate.