Proposing a care practice bundle for neonatal encephalopathy during therapeutic hypothermia

Updates in Treatment of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Worldwide, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains one of the leading causes of nervous system disabilities. Therapeutic hypothermia is the current standard-of-care treatment in high-income countries, because it was shown to reduce associated mortality and morbidities. However, up to 29% of treated neonates still experience adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, and its efficacy in low- and middle-income countries remains debated, highlighting the need for adjunct or alternative therapies. Treatments for HIE targeting neuroprotection and/or neurorestoration are under investigation. Meanwhile, attentive daily management of multiorgan failure during the first days of life continues to be essential to limit further brain injury.

Association between cerebral oxygen saturation and neurological injury in asphyxiated neonates in a middle-income country: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Neonatal outcomes following perinatal asphyxia vary significantly between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income settings. Near-infrared spectroscopy is a non-invasive method for monitoring regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), providing real-time insights into brain oxygenation. In LMICs, where healthcare resources are limited, early rScO2 monitoring during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) may support neurological risk stratification. This study aimed to evaluate the association between early rScO2 levels and brain MRI abnormalities in asphyxiated neonates during their first week of life.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on term neonates with moderate-to-severe perinatal asphyxia undergoing TH at a high-complexity healthcare institution in an LMIC. Continuous rScO2 monitoring was performed for 72 hours during cooling and rewarming. Values were analysed at 6-hour intervals. The primary outcome was abnormal brain MRI findings during the first week, defined as radiological injury to the basal ganglia, thalami, cortical/watershed areas, white matter or vascular territories. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between rScO2 and MRI abnormalities, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate predictive performance.

RESULTS

88 neonates were included, of which 29 had abnormal MRI findings. All patients were referred from lower-complexity centres. Elevated rScO2 in the first 6 hours was significantly associated with abnormal MRI findings (adjusted OR, 1.10; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.18). The rScO2 threshold showed limited sensitivity and moderate specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher rScO₂ values during the first 6 hours of TH were associated with abnormal brain MRI findings. Although not definitive, early rScO2 monitoring may aid in identifying neonates at risk of neurological injury in LMICs.

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of Holding During Hypothermia and Effects on Maternal and Infant Salivary Cortisol Levels

BACKGROUND

The lack of physical contact during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is challenging for parents of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Holding is often avoided due to concerns for effects on infant temperature and for dislodging equipment.

PURPOSE

We assessed the effect of holding during TH on maternal and infant salivary cortisol levels and on infant vital signs.

METHODS

Prospective crossover study with infants randomized to a 30-minute session of holding on day-2 versus day-3 of TH. "No-holding" occurred on the alternate day at the same time. Pre- and post-holding salivary cortisol levels were compared between holding and no-holding conditions. Vital signs were collected at 2-minute intervals. Data was analyzed using mixed-effects models.

RESULT

Thirty-four mothers and infants were recruited. The median gestational age was 39 weeks, 16 (94%) had moderate encephalopathy and all were on morphine during TH. Salivary cortisol levels decreased after holding for infants on day-2 ( P = .02) and mothers on day-2 and day-3 ( P = .01). Infants held on day-2, but not on day-3, had lower heart rates, respiratory rates, and mean arterial pressures. Temperature and oxygen saturations were stable on both days.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

We demonstrate positive effects of holding during TH as evidenced by lower salivary cortisol for both mother and infant and decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure for the infant on day-2. Further research is needed to replicate these results, to understand the lack of infant response on day-3 and to assess correlation with cumulative morphine exposure.

Data Collection Variability Across Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Registries

OBJECTIVE

To assess variability among data elements collected among existing neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) data registries worldwide and to determine the need for future harmonization of standard common data elements.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study of data elements collected from current or recently employed HIE registry data forms. Registries were identified by literature search and email inquiries to investigators worldwide. Data elements were categorized by group consensus.

RESULTS

A total of 1281 data elements were abstracted from 22 registries based in 14 countries, including 3 middle-income countries. Registries had a median of 106.5 distinct data elements per registry (range 59-458). The most commonly collected data were related to pregnancy, therapeutic hypothermia, and short-term hospital outcomes. The least consistently collected data were laboratory values other than acid/base status values. Only 4 variables were consistently collected in every registry. Five registries included neurodevelopmental follow-up fields and 5 others linked their data to a separate follow-up registry.

CONCLUSION

Many HIE registries are collecting patient data around the world, but there is considerable variability in the number, type, and format of data collected. Future attempts to develop standard common data elements to harmonize data collection globally will be crucial to facilitate worldwide collaboration and to optimize management and outcome of neonatal HIE.

Cardiac biomarkers predict low right ventricle performance in neonatal encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

Study the association between cardiac biomarkers and echocardiography parameters of ventricular performance in neonates with neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

METHODS

Prospective observational study (2016-2021) of neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Neonates with brain injury had repeated echocardiography and biomarkers measurements on day of life (DOL) 2, 3, 4, and 10. Pearson correlation and generalized linear mixed effect models were used to account for repeated measurements. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess sensitivity/specificity.

RESULTS

56 neonates had 128 measurements. Creatine Kinase (CK) and cardiac troponin-I (CTn-I) were associated with right ventricular (RV) function. A CK of 1961 U/L and a CTn-I of 91 ng/L identified low Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (<7 mm) with sensitivities of 93% and 79%, and specificities of 55% and 74%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CK and CTn-I were associated with decreased RV performance. Trending these markers can be used to suspect altered RV function and may flag optimal timing for evaluation(s) by echocardiography during TH.

Development of a model to predict electroencephalographic seizures in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia

OBJECTIVE

Electroencephalographic seizures (ES) are common in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but identification with continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring (CEEG) is resource-intensive. We aimed to develop an ES prediction model.

METHODS

Using a prospective observational study of 260 neonates with HIE undergoing CEEG, we identified clinical and EEG risk factors for ES, evaluated model performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and calculated test characteristics emphasizing high sensitivity. We assessed ES incidence and timing in neonates subdivided by ES risk group (low, moderate, high) as determined by EEG risk factors.

RESULTS

ES occurred in 32% (83/260) of neonates. Performing CEEG for only 24 h would fail to identify the 7% (17/260) of neonates with later onset ES (20% of all neonates experiencing ES). Identifying 90% or 95% of neonates with ES would require CEEG for 63 or 74 h, respectively. The optimal model included continuity and epileptiform discharges, both assessed in the initial 1 h of CEEG. It yielded an AUROC of .80, and at a cutoff that emphasized sensitivity, had sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 45%, positive predictive value of 44%, and negative predictive value of 95%. The model would avoid CEEG beyond 1 h in 32% (84/260) of neonates, but 6% (5/83) of neonates with ES would not have ES identified. ES incidence was significantly different (p < .01) across ES risk groups (6% low, 40% moderate, and 83% high). Only ~6 h of CEEG would identify all neonates with ES in the low-risk group, whereas 75 and 63 h of CEEG would be required to identify 95% of neonates with ES in the moderate-risk and high-risk groups, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

Among neonates with HIE, a model employing two EEG variables from a 1-h screening EEG and stratifying neonates into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups could enable evidence-based strategies for targeted CEEG use.

Effects of Therapeutic Hypothermia and Minimal Enteral Nutrition on Short-Term Outcomes in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A 10-Year Experience from Oman

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in developed countries, but data on its safety and efficacy in low-middle-income countries are limited and often conflicting. The impact of enteral feeding during TH remains inadequately explored. We aimed to examine TH's effects on mortality and brain injury and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of minimal enteral feeding during TH. Here, we report our single-center experience with TH over a 10-year period".

METHODS

A total of 187 neonates with moderate to severe HIE who underwent cooling were included in this retrospective study. Post-rewarming MRI scans were scored using a validated MRI scoring system. The primary outcomes were mortality and composite outcomes of mortality and brain injury.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 3% in moderate and 25% in severe cases (p < 0.001). Overall, 85% (160/187) of neonates received minimal enteral nutrition. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the severity of HIE at admission (OR 3.4 (1.03-11.6); p < 0.04) and gestational age (OR: 0.624 (0.442-0.882); p < 0.008) were independent predictors of composite outcomes of death and brain injuries. MRI score was a strong predictor of mortality (AUC: 0.89; p < 0.001) and of ability to orally feed at discharge (AUC: 0.73; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality rates associated with TH in infants with moderate-severe HIE align with those in high-income countries, and minimal enteral feeding during TH is safe. The severity of HIE, MRI scores, and feeding status are important predictors of outcomes.

Fifteen Years of Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia: Clinical Trends Show Unchanged Post-Rewarming Outcomes despite Reduction in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Severity

INTRODUCTION

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects 1-2 per 1,000 births and is associated with mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental challenges. At present, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only neuroprotective intervention for these infants. This study examines whether HIE severity, clinical management during TH, and post-rewarming outcomes have changed since its introduction 15 years ago.

METHODS

Neonatal characteristics, HIE severity, management during TH, and post-rewarming MRI of all infants with HIE undergoing TH between 2008 and 2023 were compared across three five-year epochs. Linear regression was used to estimate annual changes over time.

RESULTS

In total, 252 infants underwent TH. Median gestational age (39.5 weeks), birth weight (3,376 g), and time to start TH (4.25 h) remained stable over time. Apgar score at 5 min (p = 0.031) and lowest pH <1 h postpartum (p = 0.020) increased over time. Thompson score at 1-3 h decreased across epochs (p = 0.046). There was an increase in percentage with normal-mild aEEG background patterns on admission (p = 0.041) and a decrease in aEEG-confirmed seizures (p < 0.001) and antiseizure medication (p < 0.001). Inotropic support decreased (p = 0.007), and use of invasive mechanical ventilation decreased over the last 5 years. Mortality (28.6%) and post-rewarming composite adverse outcome (i.e., neonatal mortality and/or adverse MRI score) (37.9%) remained unchanged. Number of infants seen at 2-year follow-up increased (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Over the last 15 years, we treated more infants with milder HIE, as indicated by lower Thompson and milder aEEG scores, and the need for invasive cardiorespiratory support declined. However, there were no improvements in composite adverse outcome (mortality and/or adverse MRI score).

Standardizing clinician training and patient care in the neonatal neurocritical care: A step-by-step guide

Neonatal neurocritical care (NNCC) has emerged as an important specialty to address neurological conditions affecting newborns including a wide spectrum of brain injuries and developmental impairment. Despite the discipline's growth, variability in NNCC service delivery, patient care, and clinical training poses significant challenges and potentially adversely impacts patient outcomes. Variations in neuroprotective strategies, postnatal care, and training methodologies highlight the urgent need for a unified approach to optimize both short- and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for these vulnerable population. This paper presents strategic blueprints for establishing standardized NNCC clinical care and training programs focusing on collaborative effort across medical and allied health professions. By addressing these inconsistencies, the paper proposes that standardizing NNCC practices can significantly enhance the quality of care, streamline healthcare resource utilization, and improve neurodevelopmental outcome, thus paving the way for a new era of neonatal neurological care.

Quality improvement and outcomes for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: obstetrics and neonatal perspectives

Despite significant improvement in perinatal care and research, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains a global healthcare challenge. From both published research and reports of QI initiatives, we have identified a number of distinct opportunities that can serve as targets of quality improvement (QI) initiatives focused on reducing HIE. Specifically, (i) implementation of perinatal interventions to anticipate and timely manage high-risk deliveries; (ii) enhancement of team training and communication; (iii) optimization of early HIE diagnosis and management in referring centers and during transport; (iv) standardization of the approach when managing neonates with HIE during therapeutic hypothermia; (v) and establishment of protocols for family integration and follow-up, have been identified as important in successful QI initiatives. We also provide a framework and examples of tools that can be used to support QI work and discuss some of the perceived challenges and future opportunities for QI targeting HIE.

Feasibility and Safety of Sildenafil to Repair Brain Injury Secondary to Birth Asphyxia (SANE-01): A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase Ib Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To test feasibility and safety of administering sildenafil in neonates with neonatal encephalopathy (NE), developing brain injury despite therapeutic hypothermia (TH).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ib clinical trial between 2016 and 2019 in neonates with moderate or severe NE, displaying brain injury on day-2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite TH. Neonates were randomized (2:1) to 7-day sildenafil or placebo (2 mg/kg/dose enterally every 12 hours, 14 doses). Outcomes included feasibility and safety (primary outcomes), pharmacokinetics (secondary), and day-30 neuroimaging and 18-month neurodevelopment assessments (exploratory).

RESULTS

Of the 24 enrolled neonates, 8 were randomized to sildenafil and 3 to placebo. A mild decrease in blood pressure was reported in 2 of the 8 neonates after initial dose, but not with subsequent doses. Sildenafil plasma steady-state concentration was rapidly reached, but decreased after TH discontinuation. Twelve percent of neonates (1/8) neonates died in the sildenafil group and 0% (0/3) in the placebo group. Among surviving neonates, partial recovery of injury, fewer cystic lesions, and less brain volume loss on day-30 magnetic resonance imaging were noted in 71% (5/7) of the sildenafil group and in 0% (0/3) of the placebo group. The rate of death or survival to 18 months with severe neurodevelopmental impairment was 57% (4/7) in the sildenafil group and 100% (3/3) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Sildenafil was safe and well-absorbed in neonates with NE treated with TH. Optimal dosing needs to be established. Evaluation of a larger number of neonates through subsequent phases II and III trials is required to establish efficacy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02812433.

Subcortical brain volumes in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Despite treatment with therapeutic hypothermia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is associated with adverse developmental outcomes, suggesting the involvement of subcortical structures including the thalamus and basal ganglia, which may be vulnerable to perinatal asphyxia, particularly during the acute period. The aims were: (1) to examine subcortical macrostructure in neonates with HIE compared to age- and sex-matched healthy neonates within the first week of life; (2) to determine whether subcortical brain volumes are associated with HIE severity.

METHODS

Neonates (n = 56; HIE: n = 28; Healthy newborns from the Developing Human Connectome Project: n = 28) were scanned with MRI within the first week of life. Subcortical volumes were automatically extracted from T1-weighted images. General linear models assessed between-group differences in subcortical volumes, adjusting for sex, gestational age, postmenstrual age, and total cerebral volumes. Within-group analyses evaluated the association between subcortical volumes and HIE severity.

RESULTS

Neonates with HIE had smaller bilateral thalamic, basal ganglia and right hippocampal and cerebellar volumes compared to controls (all, p < 0.02). Within the HIE group, mild HIE severity was associated with smaller volumes of the left and right basal ganglia (both, p < 0.007) and the left hippocampus and thalamus (both, p < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that, despite advances in neonatal care, HIE is associated with significant alterations in subcortical brain macrostructure.

IMPACT

Compared to their healthy counterparts, infants with HIE demonstrate significant alterations in subcortical brain macrostructure on MRI acquired as early as 4 days after birth. Smaller subcortical volumes impacting sensory and motor regions, including the thalamus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, were seen in infants with HIE. Mild and moderate HIE were associated with smaller subcortical volumes.

Left Ventricular Function and Dimensions Are Altered Early in Infants Developing Brain Injury in the Setting of Neonatal Encephalopathy

We evaluated the association between left cardiac 3-dimensional echocardiographic parameters and brain injury in a single-center prospective study of neonates with neonatal encephalopathy. On day 2 of life, neonates with brain injury had greater left ventricle end-diastolic and stroke volume but also greater peak global circumferential strain detected by 3-dimensional echocardiogram.

Pharmacokinetics during therapeutic hypothermia in neonates: from pathophysiology to translational knowledge and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling

INTRODUCTION

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) still causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only effective therapy for neonates with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after PA. These neonates need additional pharmacotherapy, and both PA and TH may impact physiology and, consequently, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD).

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of the available knowledge in PubMed (until November 2022) on the pathophysiology of neonates with PA/TH. In vivo pig models for this setting enable distinguishing the effect of PA versus TH on PK and translating this effect to human neonates. Available asphyxia pig models and methodological considerations are described. A summary of human neonatal PK of supportive pharmacotherapy to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes is provided.

EXPERT OPINION

To support drug development for this population, knowledge from clinical observations (PK data, real-world data on physiology), preclinical (in vitro and in vivo (minipig)) data, and molecular and cellular biology insights can be integrated into a predictive physiologically-based PK (PBPK) framework, as illustrated by the I-PREDICT project (Innovative physiology-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug exposure in neonates undergoing cooling therapy). Current knowledge, challenges, and expert opinion on the future directions of this research topic are provided.

Rewarming rate of hypothermic neonates in a low-resource setting: a retrospective single-center study

Background

Hypothermic neonates need to be promptly rewarmed but there is no strong evidence to support a rapid or a slow pace of rewarming. This study aimed to investigate the rewarming rate and its associations with clinical outcomes in hypothermic neonates born in a low-resource setting.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated the rewarming rate of hypothermic inborn neonates admitted to the Special Care Unit of Tosamaganga Hospital (Tanzania) in 2019-2020. The rewarming rate was calculated as the difference between the first normothermic value (36.5-37.5°C) and the admission temperature, divided by the time elapsed. Neurodevelopmental status at 1 month of age was assessed using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination.

Results

Median rewarming rate was 0.22°C/h (IQR: 0.11-0.41) in 344/382 (90%) hypothermic inborn infants, and was inversely correlated to admission temperature (correlation coefficient -0.36, p < 0.001). Rewarming rate was not associated with hypoglycemia (p = 0.16), late onset sepsis (p = 0.10), jaundice (p = 0.85), respiratory distress (p = 0.83), seizures (p = 0.34), length of hospital stay (p = 0.22) or mortality (p = 0.17). In 102/307 survivors who returned at follow-up visit at 1 month of age, rewarming rate was not associated with a potential correlate of cerebral palsy risk.

Conclusions

Our findings did not show any significant association between rewarming rate and mortality, selected complications or abnormal neurologic exam suggestive of cerebral palsy. However, further prospective studies with strong methodological approach are required to provide conclusive evidence on this topic.

Association of Hospital Resource Utilization With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Neonates With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

IMPORTANCE

Intercenter variation exists in the management of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). It is unclear whether increased resource utilization translates into improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if higher resource utilization during the first 4 days of age, quantified by hospital costs, is associated with survival without neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) among infants with HIE.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort analysis of neonates with HIE who underwent therapeutic hypothermia (TH) at US children's hospitals participating in the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database between 2010 and 2016. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to December 2022.

EXPOSURES

Infants who survived to 4 days of age and had neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed at greater than 11 months of age were divided into 2 groups: (1) death or NDI and (2) survived without NDI. Resource utilization was defined as costs of hospitalization including neonatal neurocritical care (NNCC). Data were linked with Pediatric Health Information Systems to quantify standardized costs by terciles.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was death or NDI. Characteristics, outcomes, hospitalization, and NNCC costs were compared.

RESULTS

Among the 381 patients who were included, median (IQR) gestational age was 39 (38-40) weeks; maternal race included 79 (20.7%) Black mothers, 237 (62.2%) White mothers, and 58 (15.2%) mothers with other race; 80 (21%) died, 64 (17%) survived with NDI (combined death or NDI group: 144 patients [38%]), and 237 (62%) survived without NDI. The combined death or NDI group had a higher rate of infants with Apgar score at 10 minutes less than or equal to 5 (65.3% [94 of 144] vs 39.7% [94 of 237]; P < .001) and a lower rate of infants with mild or moderate HIE (36.1% [52 of 144] vs 82.3% [195 of 237]; P < .001) compared with the survived without NDI group. Compared with low-cost centers, there was no association between high- or medium-hospitalization cost centers and death or NDI. High- and medium-EEG cost centers had lower odds of death or NDI compared with low-cost centers (high vs low: OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.16-0.57]; medium vs low: OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.13-0.62]). High- and medium-laboratory cost centers had higher odds of death or NDI compared with low-cost centers (high vs low: OR, 2.35 [95% CI, 1.19-4.66]; medium vs low: OR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.07-3.47]). High-antiseizure medication cost centers had higher odds of death or NDI compared with low-cost centers (high vs. low: OR, 3.72 [95% CI, 1.51-9.18]; medium vs low: OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 0.71-3.42]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Hospitalization costs during the first 4 days of age in neonates with HIE treated with TH were not associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Higher EEG costs were associated with lower odds of death or NDI yet higher laboratory and antiseizure medication costs were not. These findings serve as first steps toward identifying aspects of NNCC that are associated with outcomes.

Variations in care of neonates during therapeutic hypothermia: call for care practice bundle implementation

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the gold-standard treatment for moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE). Care during TH has implications for long-term outcomes. Outcome variability exists among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Canada, but care variations are not understood well. This study examines variations in care practices for neonates with NE treated with TH in NICUs across Canada.

METHODS

A non-anonymous, web-based questionnaire was emailed to tertiary NICUs in Canada providing TH for NE to assess care practices during the first days of life and neurodevelopmental follow-up.

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent (24/26) responded. Centres followed national guidelines regarding the use of the modified Sarnat score to assess the initial severity of NE, the need to initiate TH within the first 6 h of birth, and the importance of follow-up. However, other practices varied, including ventilation mode, definition/treatment of hypotension, routine echocardiography, use of sedation, use of electroencephalogram (EEG), MRI timing, placental analysis, and follow-up duration.

CONCLUSIONS

NICUs across Canada follow available national guidelines, but variations exist in practices for managing NE during TH. Development and implementation of a consensus-based care bundle for neonates during TH may reduce practice variability and improve outcomes.

IMPACT

This survey describes the current HIE care practices and variation among tertiary centres in Canada. Variations exist in the care of neonates with NE treated with TH in NICUs across Canada. This paper Identifies areas of variation that are not discussed in detail in the national guidelines and will help to set up quality improvement initiatives. Elucidating the variation in care practices calls for the creation and implementation of a national, consensus-based care bundle, with the objective to improve the outcomes of these critically ill neonates.

Neuroprotective therapies in the NICU in term infants: present and future

Outcomes of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) have improved since the widespread implementation of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in high-resource settings. While TH for NE in term and near-term infants has proven beneficial, 30-50% of infants with moderate-to-severe NE treated with TH still suffer death or significant impairments. There is therefore a critical need to find additional pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that improve the outcomes for these children. There are many potential candidates; however, it is unclear whether these interventions have additional benefits when used with TH. Although primary and delayed (secondary) brain injury starting in the latent phase after HI are major contributors to neurodisability, the very late evolving effects of tertiary brain injury likely require different interventions targeting neurorestoration. Clinical trials of seizure management and neuroprotection bundles are needed, in addition to current trials combining erythropoietin, stem cells, and melatonin with TH. IMPACT: The widespread use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in the treatment of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) has reduced the associated morbidity and mortality. However, 30-50% of infants with moderate-to-severe NE treated with TH still suffer death or significant impairments. This review details the pathophysiology of NE along with the evidence for the use of TH and other beneficial neuroprotective strategies used in term infants. We also discuss treatment strategies undergoing evaluation at present as potential adjuvant treatments to TH in NE.

Variations in practices and outcomes of neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia across tertiary NICUs in Canada

OBJECTIVE

To characterize variations in practices and outcomes for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) across Canadian tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of neonates admitted for HIE and treated with TH in 24 tertiary NICUs from the Canadian Neonatal Network, 2010-2020. The two primary outcomes of mortality before discharge and MRI-detected brain injury were compared across NICUs using adjusted standardized ratios (SR) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Of the 3261 neonates that received TH, 367 (11%) died and 1033 (37%) of the 2822 with MRI results had brain injury. Overall, rates varied significantly across NICUs for mortality (range 5-17%) and brain injury (range 28-51%). Significant variations in use of inotropes, inhaled nitric oxide, blood products, and feeding during TH were identified (p values < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Significant variations exist in practices and outcomes of HIE neonates treated with hypothermia across Canada.