Hyperthermia in the delivery: potential impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity.

In recent years, it has become apparent that temperature can modify the extent of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. There is an increasing body of experimental and clinical data showing a reduction in the extent of brain injury after intrapartum hypoxia-ischemia with induced hypothermia. Conversely, there is experimental evidence indicating a worsening of cerebral injury during or after ischemia under conditions of elevations in temperature in a variety of animal species. Neonatal experimental studies are limited, and the data are conflicting. This article addresses the available evidence concerning the potential impact of hyperthermia in the delivery on neonatal mortality and morbidity.