[Complete neurological recovery after major neonatal acidosis]

After a severe fetal asphyxia, an hypotrophic (PN: 2,500 g) full-term newborn had a very poor Apgar score (1 after 1 min) and intensive resuscitation was necessary. The first arterial blood gas analysis at 1 h of life showed a profound metabolic acidosis (pH: 6.7; base defect: -30) and refractory hypoxemia (PaO2: 11 mmHg; FiO2 = 1). In a first time, the outcome was favourable after the correction of acidosis and treatment with tolazoline of a persistent fetal circulation. The depressed cerebral function symptoms disappeared within a few days; a grade I subependymal haemorrhage disappeared also rapidly. At 22 months of age, the infant had no significant developmental abnormality.