Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in Neonates: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates remains a significant cause of neurological morbidity and mortality globally, with substantial long-term consequences. It results from a period of impaired cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery, typically occurring during labor, delivery, or the immediate postnatal period. The pathophysiology of HIE is multifactorial, involving an initial hypoxic insult followed by a cascade of secondary energy failure, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis.