Therapeutic Hypothermia for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Current Experience of a Turkish Tertiary Center Yenidoğanda Hipoksik İskemik Ensefalopati Tedavisinde Hipotermi Uygulamasi: Tek Merkez Deneyimi

Aim: We conducted a study to demonstrate the effect of early initiation of cooling in newborns with Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), before and during their transport to a cooling center. Material-Method: A total of 32 outpatient neonates were enrolled in the study. Because of the implementation of a new local guideline concerning the preparation and transport of neonates who are therapeutic hypothermia (TH) candidates, the data gathered belonged to two distinct patient groups; Group I (before guideline, n=18) and Group II (after guideline , n=14). Results: With respect to clinical characteristics, application of TH and conservative therapies both groups were similar. The frequency of observed clinical seizures, the occurrence of an abnormal electroencephalography (aEEG) and the mean body temperature of the outborn infants at their admission were all lower in Group II. With respect to mortality, the mortalities of Group I and Group II were 44.4% and 21.4% respectively and except hypotension, all complications were less frequent in Group II. An organized team approach with early cooling is important for the success of TH. Conclusion: We found that with education, our referring and transport physicians can initiate and maintain TH for neonates before and during their transport.