Benefits of starting hypothermia treatment within 6 h vs. 6–12 h in newborns with moderate neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract

Abstract Background It has been suggested that mild hypothermia treatment of hypoxia-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) should start within 6 h after HIE, but many children are admitted to the hospital > 6 h, particularly in developing areas. We aimed to determine whether hypothermia treatment could remain effective within 12 h after birth. Methods According to their admission, 152 newborns were enrolled in the 0.05). Hypothermia improved the rates of neonatal death and 18-month disability (all P < 0.01). Conclusions In newborns with moderate HIE, starting hypothermia therapy < 6 h and 6–12 h after HIE showed curative effects. In those with severe HIE, only starting hypothermia therapy within 6 h showed curative effects.

Keywords

• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
• Mild hypothermia
• Time window