[Current therapeutic approaches of neurologic damage in neonatal asphyxia]

Perinatal hypoxiaischaemia is a major cause of mortality and neurological sequelae in term newborn. Modulation of mechanisms leading to brain cell death, in the so-called therapeutic window, may reduce apoptosis and necrosis. Oxidative stress and newborn resuscitation, early postnatal pharmacological treatment and hypothermic neuroprotection are described. Additional controlled prospective trials are warranted on newborns. A combination of neuroprotective agents with synergistic effects could represent a potential treatment strategy.