Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Treatment in India

Released Date: 2021-02-08

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain dysfunction which occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen or blood flow for a period of time. Hypoxic means not enough oxygen. Ischemic means not enough blood flow and encephalopathy means brain disorder. HIE may develop during pregnancy, labor and delivery or in the postnatal period. There are a number of causes.

Symptoms

Be floppy and unreactive to sights or sounds.
Very tense and react more to stimulation than a healthy newborn.
Abnormal movements or seizures.
Feeding problems due to weak muscles in their mouth and throat.
Have a weak cry.
Show signs of organ dysfunction, especially of the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and blood.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis of HIE, a neurologist will examine your baby, who will be monitored by an electroencephalogram for seizures and signs of brain dysfunction and undergo neuroimaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to check for signs of brain injury.

Treatment

Brain Cooling

If the brain is cooled just a few degrees below normal body temperature soon after birth, there may be less brain injury. Your baby will be placed on a cooling blanket for three days. Babies are then given medicines to help them rest comfortably and are closely monitored for any signs of discomfort.After the cooling period, your baby will be slowly re-warmed to normal body temperature. While caring for your baby, doctor will monitor his or her heart rate, breathing patterns and temperature. During the cooling procedure, doctor also check your baby's brain activity with an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a cerebral function monitor (CFM). Small probes are placed on the scalp to measure the electrical activity of the brain. In addition, doctor look for signs of seizures using a video camera.

Blood tests will also be sent to evaluate other aspects of your baby's health such as infections or metabolic problems. During the cooling period, it is normal for your baby to have a slower heart rate and breathing rate, and to appear quiet and sleepy. Your baby will receive nutrition through intravenous (IV) therapy. If the nurse determines that it is safe, you may touch your baby during the cooling period. After cooling, and when your baby is ready to eat, breast milk or formula will be given.

Other Therapies

Your baby may receive a combination of therapies to support any other organs that have been affected by HIE. This may include:

Supporting the heart and maintaining healthy blood pressure
Sustaining kidney and liver function
Mechanical ventilation (breathing tube) if the baby is unable to breathe independently
Medications for babies who have seizures

After HIE, treatment focuses on helping your child adapt to symptoms caused by the brain injury. This often includes a combination of approaches, including medical, physical and occupational therapies. All babies who receive cooling therapy needs follow-up in the High Risk Infant Program and the Neonatal Neurology Follow-Up Program.

Frequently asked questions

Q.What causes hypoxic encephalopathy?

HIE has many causes, including placental insufficiency, uterine rupture, placental abruption, true umbilical knots, cord compression, maternal blood clotting disorders, feto-maternal hemorrhage, extremely low maternal blood pressure, trauma during delivery, placental blood clots, shoulder dystocia and cord prolapsed.

Q.Can the brain recover from hypoxia?

Although full recovery from severe anoxic or hypoxic brain injury is rare, but many patients with mild anoxic or hypoxic brain injuries are capable of making a full or partial recovery. Moreover, symptoms and effects of the injury are dependent on the areas of the brain that was affected by the lack of oxygen.

Q.What are the 4 types of hypoxia?

Hypoxia is actually divided into four types: hypoxic hypoxia, hypemic hypoxia, stagnant hypoxia, and histotoxic hypoxia.

Q.How long does it take to recover from hypoxia?

The most rapid recovery is usually in the first six months, and by about one year the likely long-term outcome will have become clearer.

Q.What does hypoxia do to your body?

Blood carries oxygen to the cells throughout your body to keep them healthy. Hypoxemia can cause mild problems such as headaches and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can interfere with heart and brain function. Hypoxemia that causes low oxygen levels in your body's tissues is called hypoxia.

Q.How does anemia lead to hypoxia?

Anemia leads to low hemoglobin levels result in a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen that is breathed in, and hence, a diminished supply of oxygen available to the tissues.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Treatment in India

Released Date: 2021-02-08