Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: an update on disease pathogenesis and treatment

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the most important reason for morbidity and mortality in term-born infants. Understanding pathophysiology of the brain damage is essential for the early detection of patients with high risk for HIE and development of strategies for their treatments. Areas covered: This review discusses pathophysiology of the neonatal HIE and its treatment options, including hypothermia, melatonin, allopurinol, topiramate, erythropoietin, N-acetylcyctein, magnesium sulphate and xenon. Expert commentary: Several clinical studies have been performed in order to decrease the risk of brain injury due to difficulties in the early diagnosis and treatment, and to develop strategies for better long-term outcomes. Although currently standard treatment methods include therapeutic hypothermia for neonates with moderate to severe HIE, new supportive options are needed to enhance neuroprotective effects of the hypothermia, which should aim to reduce production of the free radicals and to have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions.