Therapeutic cooling for perinatal asphyxia-Indian experience

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is a proven treatment for term newborns suffering from perinatal asphyxia.
• Its adoption as standard care is widespread in developed countries.
• Implementation in India remains limited, necessitating a review of current status and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing therapeutic hypothermia trials conducted in India.
• To identify and discuss challenges associated with adapting TH for the Indian context.
• To provide insights into the broader adoption of TH in India.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on therapeutic hypothermia in India.
• Analysis of trial data and reported outcomes.
• Discussion of logistical, economic, and infrastructural factors impacting TH implementation.

Main Results:

• Summarizes findings from various TH trials conducted within India.
• Highlights specific barriers encountered during implementation, such as resource limitations and training needs.
• Identifies areas where TH has shown promise despite challenges.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic hypothermia holds significant potential for treating perinatal asphyxia in Indian newborns.
• Addressing identified challenges is crucial for wider adoption and improved outcomes.
• Further research and policy support are needed to integrate TH into routine neonatal care in India.