Publication:

Neurodevelopmental outcome of babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Background The aim of the study was to find out the neurodevelopmental outcome of babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at 6 months of age and to predict early markers of abnormal neurological outcome in those babies.

Methods 50 babies admitted with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were enrolled in this prospective study and followed up at 3 and 6 months of age at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy. The neurological outcome of the babies was assessed by CDC grading of motor milestones, Trivandrum development screening chart, Amiel Tison angles head circumference and weight measured. USG cranium was done for all the babies and MRI brain was done in babies with abnormal neuro sonogram and abnormal outcome. Vision and hearing were tested clinically.

Results The incidence of abnormal neurological outcome was 14%. The early markers predicting abnormal neurological sequele are identified.

Conclusions Early identification of abnormal neuro behaviour helps in starting early intervention to improve the long term outcome.