Neonatal encephalopathy: need for recognition of multiple etiologies for optimal management

Abstract

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Factors predisposing to NE can be antenatal, perinatal, or a combination of both.

Antenatal maternal factors, familial factors, genetic predisposition, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, infections, placental abnormalities, thrombophilia, coagulation defects, and metabolic disorders all have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NE. At present, therapeutic hypothermia is the only treatment available, regardless of etiology. Recognizing the etiology of NE involved can also guide investigations such as metabolic and sepsis workups to ensure optimal management. Understanding the etiology of NE may allow the development of targeted adjunctive therapies related to the underlying mechanism and develop preventative strategies.

Keywords:neonatal encephalopthy, etiology, antenatal, perinatal, targeted adjunctive therapies

Aslam S., Strickland T., Molloy E.J. Neonatal encephalopathy: need for recognition of multiple etiologies for optimal management. Front Pediatr. 2019; 7: 142. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00142

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CHIEF EDITOR
CHIEF EDITOR
Degtyarev Dmitriy Nikolaevich
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Deputy Director for Scientific Research of the V.I. Kulakov Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology National Medical Research Center of Ministry of Healthсаre of the Russian Federation, Head of the Chair of Neonatology at the Clinical Institute of Children's Health named after N.F. Filatov, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the Russian Society of Neonatologists, Moscow, Russian Federation

ORCID iD 0000-0001-8975-2425

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