Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a devastating brain injury that primarily affects premature infants. HIE can also affect full term babies, especially when there are complications during labor and delivery. It occurs when there is reduced oxygen or blood flow to the baby’s brain. It is often caused by events like placental abruption, uterine rupture, cord prolapse, or prolonged labor.

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HIE can result in serious, lifelong consequences, including medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delays, feeding difficulties, vision and hearing impairments, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The severity of outcomes depends on the extent of the brain injury and how quickly treatment is provided.