Early prediction of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in newborn infants in a resource-limited setting

Horn, Alan Richard

Early prediction of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in newborn infants in a resource-limited setting

Doctoral Thesis

2013

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) after birth is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited regions. Therapeutic hypothermia initiated within the first 6 hours of life, in settings that can offer neonatal intensive care, is a therapy that can reduce death or severe disability in newborn infants with moderate or severe HIE. Therapeutic hypothermia has not been shown to be safe or effective in low-resource settings where neonatal intensive care is not available; however, there are situations such as in some centres in South Africa, where limited neonatal intensive care (NICU) is available against a background of moderate neonatal mortality rates, relatively low socio-economic conditions and limited capacity for long-term follow-up. In such settings, accurate case definition and early prediction of HIE and outcome may assist with the appropriate allocation of resources. The amplitude-integrated electro-encephalogram (aEEG) is an ideal tool to use for prediction of outcome and the need for cooling, but it’s availability is limited, particularly at primary and secondary hospitals.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Paediatrics

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

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