Challenges in neurologic prognostication after neonatal brain injury

Semin Perinatol. 2017 Mar;41(2):117-123. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2016.11.008. Epub 2017 Jan 28.

Abstract

Parents often ask neonatologists and neurologists to determine neurologic prognosis in the preterm and term infant after neonatal brain injury. Prognostication in these populations remains rather full of uncertainties. Knowledge of available diagnostic tests and their limitations allows the clinician to synthesize the most likely outcomes after neurologic injury. In this review, we describe the diagnostic tools available to the clinician, active areas of research, and challenges in neurologic prognostication of the neonate.

Keywords: Brain Injury; Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; Prematurity; Prognostication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Death / diagnosis
  • Communication
  • Echoencephalography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / physiopathology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Prognosis
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
  • Terminal Care

Substances

  • Biomarkers