Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy often occurs in full-term infants and may be caused by various factors, including the mother’s health status, placental issues, fetal factors, or umbilical cord blood flow obstruction. This condition not only endangers the life of the newborn but is also a common cause of disabilities in infancy and early childhood. Therefore, timely diagnosis and active treatment are crucial.
Recognizing early signs of neonatal hypoxic brain injury, especially in infants with a history of intrauterine distress or birth asphyxia, is essential. Symptoms like persistent crying, refusal to feed, breathing difficulties, seizures, or altered consciousness should raise suspicion of hypoxic brain injury. In such cases, parents should promptly take their children to the hospital for examinations, including cranial ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to determine the extent and nature of the damage, EEG to assess brain dysfunction, and enzyme level tests for further confirmation.
For infants with hypoxic brain injury, urgent hospitalization and treatment under medical supervision are necessary. Treatment involves correcting oxygen deficiency, acid-base imbalances, maintaining stable internal environment, using medications like phenobarbital to control seizures, steroids to reduce intracranial pressure, and selectively using neurotrophic drugs to promote nerve recovery.
Alongside medical interventions, good care is equally important in promoting the recovery of affected children. This includes creating a quiet and comfortable environment, ensuring the infant stays warm, paying attention to feeding methods to prevent air swallowing, and keeping the skin clean to prevent infections. Comprehensive treatment and meticulous care can effectively aid in the recovery of affected children.
