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Post-Asphyxial Aftercare and Management of Neonates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Evidence Synthesis.

Neonatology
January 1, 2025
Oviya Muralidharan et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy in improving short-term mortality and morbidities in neonates with post-asphyxial encephalopathy.

Results Summary

The majority of trials (60%) focusing on magnesium sulfate therapy showed significant improvements in short-term mortality and morbidities, though evidence on long-term outcomes was limited.

Population

Term infants post-asphyxia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Effective Dosage

Not available

Duration

Not available

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (3)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
whole-body cooling
neutral
neonatal mortality and mortality or neurological disability in infancy
term infants post-asphyxia in LMICs
-
effects on neonatal mortality and mortality or neurological disability in infancy differed significantly
#1
pharmacological therapies for neuroprotection
neutral
neuroprotection
neonates with encephalopathy in middle-income countries
-
had varied effects
#2
magnesium sulfate therapy
decrease
short-term mortality and morbidities
neonates with encephalopathy in middle-income countries
-
showed significant improvements
#3
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Effective post-resuscitation care is crucial for improving outcomes in neonates post-asphyxia. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of post-asphyxial aftercare strategies and forms part of a supplement describing an extensive synthesis of effective newborn interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Evidence was generated by performing de novo reviews, updates to reviews via systematic searches, and reanalyses of studies conducted in LMICs from existing reviews. RESULTS: Sixty-one trials recruiting 5,046 term infants post-asphyxia were included across all intervention domains. Limited studies were available from LMICs related to fluid restriction, antiseizure medications, and early interventions to improve developmental outcomes. Our reanalysis of whole-body cooling trials in LMICs found effects on neonatal mortality and mortality or neurological disability in infancy differed significantly based on the care center and type of cooling device used. Pharmacological therapies for neuroprotection evaluated in 27 trials in middle-income countries had varied effects in neonates with encephalopathy. Majority of the trials (60%) focused on magnesium sulfate therapy and showed significant improvements in short-term mortality and morbidities. CONCLUSION: The sample sizes of included trials were relatively small, and the certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Evidence on long-term survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes was limited. Further research on promising neuroprotective therapies and factors affecting their implementation in low-resource contexts is required. To reduce the high burden related to asphyxia in LMICs, this review underscores the need for a paradigm shift toward prevention, and strategies that emphasize improving antenatal and obstetric care. INTRODUCTION: Effective post-resuscitation care is crucial for improving outcomes in neonates post-asphyxia. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of post-asphyxial aftercare strategies and forms part of a supplement describing an extensive synthesis of effective newborn interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Evidence was generated by performing de novo reviews, updates to reviews via systematic searches, and reanalyses of studies conducted in LMICs from existing reviews. RESULTS: Sixty-one trials recruiting 5,046 term infants post-asphyxia were included across all intervention domains. Limited studies were available from LMICs related to fluid restriction, antiseizure medications, and early interventions to improve developmental outcomes. Our reanalysis of whole-body cooling trials in LMICs found effects on neonatal mortality and mortality or neurological disability in infancy differed significantly based on the care center and type of cooling device used. Pharmacological therapies for neuroprotection evaluated in 27 trials in middle-income countries had varied effects in neonates with encephalopathy. Majority of the trials (60%) focused on magnesium sulfate therapy and showed significant improvements in short-term mortality and morbidities. CONCLUSION: The sample sizes of included trials were relatively small, and the certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Evidence on long-term survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes was limited. Further research on promising neuroprotective therapies and factors affecting their implementation in low-resource contexts is required. To reduce the high burden related to asphyxia in LMICs, this review underscores the need for a paradigm shift toward prevention, and strategies that emphasize improving antenatal and obstetric care.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansInfant, NewbornDeveloping CountriesAsphyxia NeonatorumAftercareHypothermia, InducedInfant MortalityInfant
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.46
Normalized Score0.63
Related Supplements
Post-Asphyxial Aftercare and Management of Neonates in Low- ... | Panacea Index