Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy of newborn

**Definition:** Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is when a newborn’s brain fails to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen or blood before and during birth that may lead to brain damage or death.

**Long definition:** Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a specific type of neonatal encephalopathy caused when a newborn’s brain (as well as other organs) fails to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen or blood before and during birth. This may lead to brain injury or death. In addition to the signs of encephalopathy, there is evidence for antepartum or intrapartum hypoxia. Brain imaging and tests for multiorgan hypoxia may help confirm this diagnosis. Different levels of clinical severity are recognized.