What is HIE Or Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

What is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy? To many parents, this word and condition is unfamiliar, until they are associated with a birth injury. Breaking down hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy into three parts is the easiest way to understand this term. The word hypoxic, or hypoxia is tied to a reduced level of oxygen. The word ischemic deals with blood flow. The final word encephalopathy means an injury to the brain. With each word combined, it means a reduced level of blood and oxygen leading to an injury to the brain. The definition of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a brain injury that is caused by asphyxia (deprivation of oxygen).

According to some data, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy accounts for around 23% of neonatal deaths worldwide [1]. Due to the serious nature of this medical condition, several parents have serious concerns regarding the challenges their baby will face in the future. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy focuses on the lack of blood and oxygen in the tissue. When this happens, developmental delays and various other types of brain injuries can occur, like cerebral palsy.

[1] Medscape What is the global prevalence of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) https://www.medscape.com/answers/973501-106461/what-is-the-global-prevalence-of-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie