Low et al classified newborn encephalopathy based on clinical findings. The authors are from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Parameters:
(1) behavior and mental status
(2) muscle tone
(3) seizure activity
(4) apnea (respirations)
Parameter |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
mental status |
hyperalert, irritable, jittery |
lethargic |
comatose |
muscle tone |
transient hypertonia; mild hypotonia |
severe hypotonia |
|
seizure activity |
none |
occasional |
multiple episodes |
recurrent apnea |
absent |
absent |
present |
Risk factors for newborn encephalopathy:
(1) fetal hypoxia with metabolic acidosis (umbilical artery buffer base < 30 mmol/L)
(2) moderate to severe respiratory complications
(3) severe newborn infection, especially if there is central nervous system involvement
Specialty: Neurology, Pedatrics