Evaluation of risk factors for neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract

Aim: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition in neonates and is associated with neuromuscular dysfunction and death. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential risk factors for neonatal HIE. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was conducted on infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between 2015 and 2020. Infants born at ?36 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with HIE were included in the case group. For each case, 4 gestational agematched infants without HIE were selected and included in the control group. The groups were compared in terms of maternal demographic characteristics, pregnancy characteristics, and birth-related factors. Results: The study included 75 infants with HIE and 300 controls. Nulliparity, history of antenatal care, medical complications during pregnancy, prolonged difficult birth, abnormal fetal heart rate, mode of delivery, and acute birth complications were found to be significantly associated with HIE in univariate analysis. In multivariate logistic analysis, the lack of antenatal care, abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR), and acute birth complication were the strongest factors associated with neonatal HIE. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the lack of antenatal care, abnormal FHR, and acute birth complications were risk factors for the development of HIE. Ensuring that pregnant women receive adequate antenatal care and applying necessary obstetric measures may help to reduce the HIE incidence.