Resistive index (RI) as a prognostic indicator of early morbidities in term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract

Background: Hypoxemia and hypoxia sustained by neonates during birth process leads to Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) which can give rise to immediate and/or long term sequelae of neonatal brain injury, increased neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Material and methods: A prospective observational study done in tertiary neonatal intensive care unit of north Karnataka region. The study was conducted between September 2021 to May 2022. Results: A total of 44 neonates with HIE were studied. There were 26 (61%) male and 18 (39%) female babies and the male to female ratio was 1.4:1. There were 28 cases with grade I, 6 cases with grade II and 10 cases with grade III HIE. The Resistive index was normal in 30 (68.1%) cases and was abnormal in 14 (31.8%) cases. Common Doppler ultrasound findings were of increased echo density of cerebral parenchyma and increased periventricular density. There were 95% survivors and 5% deaths due to HIE. The most common complications were of acute kidney injury (34%) and seizures (11.4%).