Neonatal encephalopathy

Abstract

Neonatal encephalopathy is caused by a diverse group of acquired and genetic disorders. Geographic location and level of medical care appear to affect the distribution of etiologies: less than 30% of cases are associated with intrapartum hypoxia in advanced countries such as Australia while more than half have been linked to intrapartum events in less advanced regions. A combination of EEG and brain imaging, especially MRI, is useful for establishing a diagnosis and prognosis. Specific therapies are available for some causes of encephalopathy, and anticonvulsants should be administered to treat seizures although their neuroprotective effects have not been established.