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Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateNeonatologyHypoxic-Ischaemic EncephalopathyRACP Paediatrics

A term neonate born by emergency caesarean section for fetal bradycardia has Apgar scores of 2 at 1 minute and 5 at 5 minutes. Cord blood pH is 6.95 with a base deficit of 18 mmol/L. He has seizures at 6 hours of age. He meets criteria for therapeutic hypothermia. At what target temperature and duration should cooling be provided?

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Correct answer: C — 33–34°C for 72 hours

Therapeutic hypothermia for moderate-to-severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in term neonates involves whole-body cooling to a target core temperature of 33–34°C, commenced within 6 hours of birth and maintained for 72 hours, followed by gradual rewarming over 12 hours. This is the standard of care and reduces mortality and severe disability.

Reference: Starship Clinical Guidelines – 2024 – Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Encephalopathy