Can biochemical markers predict the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) due to perinatal asphyxia remains an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive values of biochemical parameters, including serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid (UA), and lactate, in newborns with HIE. A total of 94 patients who were diagnosed with HIE were prospectively enrolled into the study. According to the Sarnat and Sarnat classification, 29 (30.9%) patients had Stage I, 36 (38.3%) Stage II, and 29 (30.9%) Stage III HIE. When CK, LDH, UA, and lactate were used together in order to determine the stage of HIE, specificity and sensitivity were calculated to be 87% and 94%, respectively. Measurement of serum CK, LDH, lactate, and UA levels together is a promising method in determining the stage of hypoxia in the laboratory before clinical manifestations occur so that hypothermia treatment can be initiated earlier.