Inflammation and perinatal brain injury

Abstract

Inflammation is a systemic and local immune reaction to injury secondary to microbial invasion or other damaging events like trauma and hypoxia-ischemia (Fig. 128.1). This response aids in identifying extrinsic pathogens and kills microbes (and affected cells) if the injury is caused by infection [1]. Irrespective of the primary triggering event, inflammation often causes brain damage during its acute stage (collateral damage) followed by a secondary phase that in most cases promotes tissue repair and regeneration [2].