Impact of Thrombophilia on the Risk of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in Term Neonates

Abstract

Background: The incidence of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is reportedly high in countries with limited resources. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial. A role for thrombophilia has been described in different patterns of preterm and full-term perinatal brain injury. Aim: This study aims to identify risk factors associated with neonatal HIE and also to determine the contributions of genetic thrombophilia in the development of neonatal HIE. Methods: Sixty-seven neonates with HIE and 67 controls were enrolled in the study. Clinical history and examination were undertaken. Patients and controls were tested for the presence of factor V G1691A and prothrombin G20210A mutations. In addition, protein S, protein C, and antithrombin III levels were assessed. Results: Parental consanguinity and performing emergency cesarean section (CS) were significant risk factors for neonatal HIE (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-15.3, P