Factors affecting early childhood growth in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia

Introduction: There is an extensive body of research regarding neurological outcomes following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH), with limited data on growth outcomes. We examined perinatal characteristics associated with postnatal growth in this population.

Methods: Convenience cohort of 66 infants with HIE who underwent TH and participated in follow-up at 24 months of age were included. Regression modeling including perinatal anthropomorphics, markers of HIE, and systemic injury was used to evaluate growth at 24 months.

Results: Birth head circumference was associated with weight (p = 0.036). MRI severity, pH at admission and birth head circumference were associated with height (p = 0.043, p = 0.015 and p = 0.043 respectively). MRI severity and length of intubation were associated with head circumference (p = 0.038 and p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: There was a significant association between specific early factors and growth at 24 months among infants with HIE treated with TH.