Neonatal coning secondary to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy: A case study and literature review.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Brain herniation is an extremely rare complication of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the neonatal period with only a single report described. We report a 2-day-old term infant with severe HIE, who developed diffuse brain oedema and herniation. CASE PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION A term female infant delivered by vacuum, required therapeutic hypothermia for severe encephalopathy. At 36 hours of age, a marked change in neurological status was noted with signs of brainstem involvement. A head Computed Tomography Scan showed uncal and tonsillar herniation. CONCLUSION: Vigilance in monitoring neonatal neurological status during therapeutic hypothermia is imperative for early brain herniation detection.