The morbidity and mortality of acute ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy in newborns have not been dramatically modified over the last 20 years. The purpose of this review is to describe the use of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) in the management of acute ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy in newborns.
A review of the medical literature was conducted on the use of HBOT in the pathophysiology of this condition and its impact on outcomes of patients treated at an early stage.
When HBOT is administered promptly, it can promote the survival of the penumbra, modulate the cytokine storm, modify inflammatory cascades, restore mitochondrial function, inhibit apoptosis, reinstate cellular communication and cytoskeleton function, reinstall the functioning of the kinase system, reduce cytotoxic and tissue edema, promote microcirculation, and provide an antioxidant effect. All these secondary mechanisms aid in saving, rescuing, and protecting the marginal tissue.
When used promptly, HBOT is a non-invasive adjunct treatment that can preserve the marginal tissue affected by ischemia, hypoxia, meet the metabolic needs of the penumbra, reduce inflammatory cascades, prevent the extension of the damaged tissue, and modulate ischemia-reperfusion injury.