Hipotermia terapêutica na encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica

hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a prevalent pathology with high morbid-mortality, and resulting in high personal, social and financial costs. besides the intensive support care, there is now compelling clinical evidence that hypothermia initiated within a few hours after severe hypoxia-ischemia and maintained for 72 hours, can reduce neuronal loss and improve neurological outcome. timely recognition of infants at risk, proper stabilization and control of body temperature, allowing passive cooling, communication with referral centers with resources to provide this therapy and proper care on transport will contribute to the benefits of this intervention. the aim of this review is to spread information about the use of therapeutic hypothermia in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy to the paediatric community, since pediatricians have an important role in recognition and rapid referral of these babies.