Have you heard of HIE? It’s the second leading cause of infant mortality and lifelong disability worldwide. 2-3 per 1,000 live births in high-income countries, and upwards of 30 per 1,000 live births in low and middle income countries, are diagnosed with a type of neonatal and pediatric brain injury, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. This diagnosis carries an array of outcomes, from unaffected through loss.
While you may think “preemie” when thinking of the NICU, most HIE babies are typically near or full term, born very ill, and go through a unique NICU experience. HIE has a wide variety of causes – from placental issues to cord compression during birth – and has some pediatric causes like near-SIDS events.
HIE can lead to a variety of additional diagnoses, with the most common being cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning and attention issues, hearing, vision and feeding issues, and other developmental delays and disabilities.
This April is HIE Awareness Month, and Medical News Bulletin is highlighting the work of the Hope for HIE foundation to bring worldwide awareness to this type of brain injury advocating for awareness, education and support to the over 10,000 families connecting worldwide, and for equity in care, communication and connection.
We also want to share the stories of the HIE community, and participate in HIE Remembrance Day on April 20th with the online Wave of Light to honor and remember HIE children gone too soon.
The more we know, the better care, communication and connection this incredible community of children and families can expect, bringing improved quality of life, dignity and respect.
For more information, visit HIEawarenessmonth.com.
Aritcle courtesy of Hope For HIE. We at MNB thank HIE sincerely for bringing this campaign to our readers.
