Background and Aims
Despite the introduction of hypothermia treatment (HT), children with neonatal
hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) HIE are at increased risk of severe
neuromotor impairment (Cerebral Palsy, CP) and developmental impairment.
Information on school-age outcomes in the substantial proportion who survive
without CP is limited. Here we report preliminary findings.
Method
Thirty-three children admitted to University Hospital Southampton for HT who survived without major neuromotor impairment were assessed at 4 years(y) 9 months(m) - 6y and 8m (mean age 5y5m, SD: 0.42m).
General cognition was assessed using Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of
Intelligence (WPSSI-IV). Executive Functions (EF) by the Auditory Attention and Inhibition (AAI) NEPSY tasks, and everyday memory with the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test Children (RBMT-C).
Results
Mean FSIQ for the HIE children was within the norm (Mean 95 SD=13.7). However, 38.7% had FSIQ score below average. AAI mean scores were in the average range, but 27.6% were at borderline and below expected level. Over 50% were borderline or impaired on RBMT-C (Mean=14.2, SD=2.7).
Conclusion
Children with a history of neonatal HIE without CP are understudied, and frequently discharged from follow-up at 2 years. Most studies focus on early developmental outcomes. Our preliminary results indicate they are at risk for clinically significant difficulties in areas important for school readiness and learning, particularly everyday memory.

GENERAL COGNITIVE, EXECUTIVE AND MEMORY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH HYPOXIC ISCHAEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (HIE) WHO UNDERWENT HYPOTHERMIA TREATMENT