Intrapartum-related conditions (birth asphyxia) account for 23% of the 2.9 million neonatal deaths annually, and a fourth of these deaths occur in India. Systemic hypothermia for infants with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) following intrapartum asphyxia has been proven to reduce mortality and major neurodevelopmental disability. Restricted fluid intake is often recommended in infants with HIE to reduce the risk of cerebral edema.
In this regard, a recent randomized controlled trial reported that a strategy of fluid restriction in the first four days did not improve the composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental disability and was associated with a trend toward adverse outcomes. Thus, the study concluded that restricted fluids should not be routinely prescribed for infants with HIE treated with systemic hypothermia. (Answer is posted in the comment section…
