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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: May 16, 2015
[Hypoxic brain injuries notified to the Danish Patient Insurance Association during 1992-2004. Secondary publication]
Lars Dahlgaard Hove1, Johannes Bock, Jens Krogh Christoffersen
1Rigshospitalet, Anaestesiologisk Afdeling, København Ø. larshove@dadlnet.dk
Insights
Hypoxic brain injuries in newborns, often leading to cerebral palsy, were frequently caused by errors in interpreting or responding to cardiotocography. These preventable birth injuries highlight the need for improved obstetric care and timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Neonatal Neurology
- Obstetric Risk Management
Context:
- Review of Danish Patient Insurance Association claims (1992-2004).
- Focus on newborns with hypoxic brain injuries.
- Analysis of 127 approved claims for peripartum hypoxic injury.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and causes of hypoxic brain injuries in newborns.
- To identify factors contributing to these injuries.
- To assess the preventability of peripartum hypoxic injuries.
Summary:
- 127 claims for peripartum hypoxic injury were registered.
- 38 newborns died; 89 survivors have major handicaps, mainly cerebral palsy.
- 69 cases involved misinterpretation or delayed response to abnormal cardiotocography.
Impact:
- All investigated hypoxic brain injuries were potentially avoidable with established obstetric practices.
- Highlights critical importance of accurate cardiotocography interpretation.
- Underscores the need for adherence to best practices in obstetric care to prevent birth injuries.
Abstract:
We investigated the files of the Danish Patient Insurance Association for newborns suffering from hypoxic brain injuries. From 1992 to 2004, a total of 127 approved claims concerning peripartum hypoxic injury were registered. Thirty-eight newborns died and the majority of the 89 surviving children suffered major handicaps, primarily cerebral palsy. In 69 of the cases, misinterpretation of or late action in response to an abnormal cardiotocography caused the hypoxic brain injuries. All injuries could potentially have been avoided using established obstetric practice.
