Improving brain outcomes in the growth restricted newborn: Treating after birth

Abstract

There is encouraging data from several studies of potential treatments for the IUGR newborn that particularly target inflammation which can be administered fol l o w i n g b i r t h . F u r t h e r t h e rapeu t i developments could be guided by other neurological disorders in which inflammation is a key player. Availability of suitable treatments for the management of neonatal brain injuries will fundamentally impact the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected babies and result in enormous social, financial, and economic benefit for families and the greater community. Even though there is evidence therapies targeting inflammatory pathways protect the IUGR newborn brain, definitive long-term safety and efficacy data is required before embarking on clinical trials in this vulnerable newborn population.