prevalence and immediate outcomes of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (hie) among infants with birth asphyxia admitted at the neonatal ward of muhimbili national hospital in dar es salaam, tanzania

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and immediate outcome of infant with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) admitted at the Neonatal ward [ward 36] of Muhimbili National Hospital. METHODOLOGY Prospective cohort hospital based study at the neonatal unit of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). It involved neonates with either low apgar score (score≤ 7 at 5 minutes) and/or those young infants that were found to have symptoms and signs suggestive of HIE. Data were collected using a checklist, and analysed using Epi-info computer program. RESULTS The study showed the prevalence of birth asphyxia at neonatal ward MNH to be 30.9% and among these, 92 neonates (82.1%) had HIE. Mortality due to HIE was 27.2%. Majority of neonates with mild HIE (92.3%) was discharged to their mothers while majority of those with severe HIE (51.6%) died. CONCLUSION A total of 92 neonates were recruited in the study. The prevalence of birth asphyxia at the Neonatal ward MNH from 13th may to 31st may 2007 was 30.9%.h 27.2%. 92.3% of neonates with Mild HIE discharged within seven (7) days while more than half those with severe HIE (51.3%) died and 72% of deaths occurred within first three (3) days of life. Also the less the severity of HIE the less time of stay in the ward and the earlier the neonates started breastfeeding while the vise versa is true. RECOMMENDATION HIE score chart is simple to use and its correct use can predict the prognosis of the neonates with HIE