Care of the Infant with Neonatal Encephalopathy

Birth asphyxia and the resulting neonatal encephalopathy (NE) in neonates remains a critical condition causing significant mortality and long-term morbidities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and global developmental delay. The incidence of birth asphyxia is approximately 2–4 cases per 1,000 live births in high-income countries (HICs), and up to 30 per 1,000 live births in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Currently, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only proven treatment for NE in HICs, but its role in LMICs remains debated. However, up to 29% of these treated neonates still develop abnormal outcome. Research on adjunct treatments is ongoing to improve the outcome of these neonates. In the meantime, to prevent or limit further brain injury, supportive therapies and maintenance of homeostasis remain a cornerstone of the daily management of these neonates.