What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, is a severe birth complication that affects preterm and full-term infants. HIE is a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation during fetal development, labor, delivery, or during the postnatal period.

Damage caused by HIE can be significant and devastating. 40% to 60% of infants affected by HIE either die by age two or have severe disabilities. 25% of surviving infants will develop severe and permanent neuropsychological consequences including mental retardation, visual motor or perceptive visual dysfunction, increased hyperactivity, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.
It’s important to understand and recognize potential causes of HIE in advance as up to 30% of HIE cases are preventable.

Diagnosing HIE early is vital because timely treatment can reduce the severity. Short-term treatment can include therapeutic hypothermia for 72 hours, a ventilator, and medications to treat seizures, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Parents of children with brain injuries can enhance their child’s quality of life by consulting with a medical team and following their doctors’ advice. Remain open to treatment options and take an active role in physical and occupational therapy settings.

Help your children set realistic and achievable goals and celebrate their accomplishments with them.

Since up to 30% of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy cases are preventable, understanding the causes and risks of HIE is critical. Be sure to consult with your physicians to reduce the risk of medical negligence that can lead to HIE.

A birth injury is devastating, but the proper guidance and tools can restore hope for the future. Many children with special needs thrive with a routine, and parents can be instrumental in establishing that routine. It’s important that parents pay attention to their own wellness, too — seeking support and counseling if needed. Keep in mind that you're not alone. You can find abundant resources to help you learn more about the causes of HIE, treatments, family forums, parent support groups, and more at birthinjurycenter.org/infant-brain-damage/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/