Current Knowledge of Neonatal Birth Asphyxia - a Review of Recent Literature and Novel Approach

As neonatal intensive care has developed, there has been a growing focus on reducing mortality and morbidity. Hypoxic-ischemic injury remains the primary cause of neonatal brain dysfunction. Recently, notable advancements have been made in neuroprotection, particularly with the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. Furthermore, identifying specific biomarkers has constituted another significant advance in neuroprotection, allowing clinicians to screen infants for brain injury, monitor disease progression, identify affected regions and assess the efficacy of neuroprotective trials. Erythropoietin (EPO) has demonstrated potential in the treatment of perinatal hypoxia, particularly in the reduction of neurological damage and improvement of outcomes in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. While further research is required to ascertain the optimal usage, the existing evidence suggests that EPO could be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan, potentially in conjunction with therapeutic hypothermia.