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.