Neonatal ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy is a condition caused by asphyxia during the perinatal period, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply and reduced blood perfusion to the brain, accompanied by hypercapnia. The disease is characterized by damage to the central nervous system, which may present symptoms such as seizures and coma; in severe cases, it may also result in postictal brain injury syndrome and epilepsy. When diagnosing this condition, doctors consider multiple factors:
Medical history: This involves maternal diseases during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders, chronic nephritis, diabetes, etc.; emergencies during delivery, such as umbilical cord around the neck, polyhydramnios, placental issues, and delivery difficulties; as well as complications after the baby is born, such as hemolytic disease, infections, respiratory problems, and electrolyte imbalances.
Physical examination: The affected infant may present with abnormal complexion, temperature fluctuations, increased heart rate, decreased muscle tone, and weakened reflexes.
Auxiliary examinations: Laboratory tests may reveal increased white blood cell count, decreased blood glucose, and abnormal specific blood gas indicators; imaging studies (such as cranial ultrasound and CT scans) may show cerebral edema or ischemic areas; other tests, including monitoring bilirubin levels, blood gas analysis, and bilirubin dynamics, are also part of the evaluation.
Based on the above clinical manifestations, medical history review, and a series of examination results, the diagnosis of neonatal ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy can be established. Mild cases may not leave significant neurological sequelae and have a relatively optimistic prognosis; however, infants with more severe conditions face complex consequences such as postictal brain injury, epilepsy, sensory impairments, and intellectual development issues, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
