Fast Action is Critical to Prevent Brain Damage in Newborns
According to research by scientists at the University of Bristol, brain damage could be avoided for hundreds of babies a year.
Every year, approximately 2-4 of every 1,000 newborns suffer birth asphyxia, which can result in acute brain injury, technically known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Up to 60 percent of babies with severe HIE will die, and many surviving infants will face life-long disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and learning difficulties. Early studies have shown that inducing hypothermia within six hours of birth reduces and in some cases eliminates brain damage.
Cooling therapy works by reducing the amount of swelling around the brain after birth and slowing down cell death. The metabolic rate is lowered so the brain and vital organs need less energy to function and can begin the recovery process.
The research into therapeutic cooling builds on work begun by Professor Marianne Thoresen in 1992. She was one of the first to show that mild cooling when administered immediately can protect the newborn brain, effectively improving survival and neurological outcome.
- 0 Comment(s)
Your comment