Antenatal and Intrapartum Risk Factors Associated With Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of hypoxic Ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), perinatal death and long term neurodisability. This can be devastating for the individual and their family; the healthcare and litigation costs notwithstanding. In recent years have attempted to quantify the effect, and wider impact of intrapartum compromise, as well as the underlying mechanisms for it. After a poor outcome related to intrapartum care parents and healthcare practitioners often strive to understand whether the event could have been predicted and/or prevented. This can be difficult to answer, at least partly related to the heterogeneous fetal response to perinatal asphyxia. Mothers and the maternity service are increasingly encouraged to personalize care and their choices around the birth process, however the information required to guide these choices is most often missing. This makes it difficult for women and professionals to make an informed choice about their care, including the safest mode of birth for them and their baby.

Aim of the study: Identifying antenatal and intrapartum risk factors associated with neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.