Management and short-term outcomes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonates: A Study from the neonatal intensive care unit at Atbara Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns functions as a major reason for neonatal death and disability particularly in developing countries because they lack extensive neonatal treatment options. HIE develops from inadequate perinatal brain oxygen and blood supply that creates life-altering neurological development problems including cerebral palsy among other disabilities in infants. Aim: The study aimed to assess the general management approaches and early outcomes of neonates with HIE at Atbara Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Sudan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Atbara Teaching Hospital NICU between January and September 2022 to evaluate the management approach and short-term outcomes of neonates with Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Neonates diagnosed with HIE were monitored from NICU admission through to either discharge or death. Results: The study revealed an overall case fatality rate of 38.2%, with mortality significantly associated with prolonged NICU stays, neonatal sepsis, and low Apgar scores at birth. The management of HIE was limited to basic interventions, including therapeutic hypothermia and mechanical ventilation, which may have contributed to suboptimal patient outcomes. The lack of advanced monitoring tools, such as blood gas analyzers and cerebral function monitoring, further limited early diagnosis and targeted interventions. Conclusion: Enhancing equipment availability, optimizing NICU protocols, and training healthcare providers are crucial steps in improving both survival rates and neurological outcomes in neonates affected by HIE. Addressing these challenges in resource-limited settings will contribute to better neonatal care and reduce long-term disability associated with HIE.