Effect of therapeutic hypothermia on chromosomal aberration in perinatal asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause for neonatal mortality and morbidity around the world. The reduction of O2 results in the generation of reactive oxygen species which interact with nucleic acid and make alteration in the structure and functioning of the genome. We studied the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on chromosomes with karyotyping.

Babies in the hypothermia group were cooled for the first 72 h, using gel packs. Rectal temperature of 33-34°C was maintained. Blood sample was collected after completion of therapeutic hypothermia for Chromosomal analysis. It was done with IKAROS Karyotyping system, Metasystems, based on recommendations of International system of human cytogenetic nomenclature.

The median chromosomal aberration was lower in hypothermia [2(0-5)] than control group [4(1-7)] and chromatid breakage was commonest aberration seen. Chromosomal aberration was significantly higher in severe encephalopathy group than moderate encephalopathy group.

We conclude that the TH significantly reduces DNA damage in perinatal asphyxia.