Hypoxic ischemicencephalopathy

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain dysfunction that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen or blood flow for a period of time. Hypoxic means not enough oxygen; ischemic means not enough blood flow; and encephalopathy means brain disorder.

HIE may develop during pregnancy, labor and delivery or in the postnatal period. There are a number of causes.

Some children will experience no health issues—or only mild or moderate effects—from HIE, while others have much more severe and permanent disability, such as developmental delay; cerebral palsy (motor impairment); epilepsy; or cognitive impairment.

If the blood or oxygen supply to the brain has beeninterrupted, the rest of the body may have also been "starved" ofoxygen. This may cause damage to other organs, including the heart, liver,kidneys and bowels. These organs usually return to normal function. However, ifthe brain has sustained an injury, it may not recover fully. The length of timethe brain was without oxygen usually determines the severity of the damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of HIE often depend on the severity and extent of the brain injury, as well as the areas of the brain that were affected. Babies born with HIE may:

·         Be floppy and unreactive to sights or sounds. Alternatively, some babies with HIE are very tense and react more to stimulation than a healthy newborn.

·         Have abnormal movements or seizures.

·         Have feeding problems due to weak muscles in their mouth and throat.

·         Have a weak cry.

·        Show signs of organ dysfunction, especially ofthe heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and blood.