Is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy common in premature infants?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in premature infants is a relatively common condition, primarily involving brain damage caused by oxygen deficiency during the perinatal period. It may result from fetal distress in utero due to various factors, or from asphyxia and hypoxia occurring during delivery or after birth. Additionally, abnormal umbilical cord blood, maternal factors, or intrinsic fetal factors may also contribute to this condition.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in premature infants is relatively common and primarily refers to brain damage caused by factors such as oxygen deprivation during the perinatal period.
In clinical practice, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury due to prematurity is a fairly common occurrence. It mainly results from cerebral damage or brain lesions induced by oxygen deficiency during the perinatal period. However, this condition may also occur at other age stages. Such cases typically arise from various factors leading to fetal distress in utero, such as abnormal amniotic fluid or umbilical cord compression (e.g., nuchal cord), or may result from asphyxia and hypoxia occurring during delivery or after birth. Additionally, abnormalities in umbilical cord blood, maternal factors, or intrinsic fetal factors may also contribute to the development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Premature infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy usually have a history of asphyxia. Even after emergency resuscitation, they may still exhibit changes in muscle tone, respiratory rhythm, and consciousness, and may even experience seizures or other abnormal manifestations.
