The search continues: neuroprotection for all neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) from peripartum complications is a leading cause of neonatal brain injury. Inducing therapeutic hypothermia within 6 hours of birth to 33.0–34.0 ℃ for 72 hours is the standard of care for moderate to severe encephalopathy in many developed countries. The protection afforded by hypothermia is incomplete, however, as nearly half of hypothermia-treated survivors suffer persistent moderate to severe neurologic disabilities (1,2). Therefore, we continue to search for therapeutic strategies that can provide full neuroprotection in all neonates with HIE.