Therapeutic Hypothermia Protecting Newborn Brains from Oxygen Deprivation Damage
Therapeutic hypothermia is an innovative and effective method offering new hope for newborns who experience asphyxia (oxygen deprivation to the brain) during birth. By carefully lowering the infant’s body temperature, this technique can significantly reduce the risk of neurological damage and mortality.
Therapeutic Hypothermia: A Life-Saving Treatment for Newborns with Birth Asphyxia
Therapeutic hypothermia is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for newborns suffering from birth asphyxia—a condition caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, which can result in irreversible brain damage.
This technique involves carefully lowering the infant’s body temperature for 72 hours. The controlled cooling slows the progression of brain injury and allows time for neural tissue to recover. Scientific studies have shown that timely application of therapeutic hypothermia can significantly reduce the risk of long-term neurological damage, cerebral palsy, and even death.
The key to its effectiveness lies in early intervention; the treatment must begin within the first six hours after birth to offer maximum neuroprotection. Based on clinical evidence, therapeutic hypothermia is now considered the gold standard for managing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns and plays a vital role in improving their long-term quality of life.
Currently, Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran stands as the only active center in this field, offering specialized therapeutic hypothermia using advanced equipment. Reports indicate that the hospital’s use of this method in recent years has led to a significant reduction in complications associated with neonatal asphyxia.
comment