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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:30
A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: May 16, 2015
Hepatic involvement in perinatal asphyxia
Aylin Tarcan1, Filiz Tiker, Hakan Güvenir
1Department of Pediatrics, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. aylint@baskent-ank.edu.tr
Summary
Hepatic injury is a significant complication in newborns experiencing perinatal asphyxia (PNA). This liver damage, linked to factors like fetal distress and convulsions, is associated with increased mortality in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hepatology
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Hepatic injury mechanisms in perinatal asphyxia (PNA) resemble ischemic hepatitis.
- Liver involvement is often overlooked in multi-organ failure associated with PNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical significance of hepatocyte injury in newborns with PNA.
- To identify factors associated with hepatocyte injury in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 56 newborns diagnosed with PNA.
- Hepatocyte injury defined by elevated serum alanine transaminase (>100 U/L) with subsequent normalization.
Main Results:
- Hepatocyte injury was observed in 22 patients (39.3%).
- Associated factors included fetal distress, thrombocytopenia, convulsions, CNS abnormalities, and intrauterine growth retardation.
- Liver injury correlated with a higher mortality rate.
Conclusions:
- Hepatocyte injury is a notable complication in neonatal PNA.
- Several clinical and pathological factors are significantly associated with this liver damage.
- Identifying and managing hepatic injury in PNA is crucial due to its association with increased mortality.
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