Recent Study Reveals Cold Treatment Ineffective for Preterm Infants with Oxygen Loss

Recent Findings on Cold Treatment for Preterm Infants

A groundbreaking study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unveiled that reducing the body temperature of preterm infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has no significant advantages over standard care. This revelation comes as a shock to many in the neonatal healthcare community who previously believed in the efficacy of this treatment for infants born between 33 to 35 weeks of gestation.

HIE, a serious condition caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain, is often the result of complications during delivery, such as umbilical cord compression or uterine tears. Despite earlier studies indicating that cooling treatment could drastically lower risks of death and severe disabilities in full-term infants, this latest research suggests that preterm infants do not benefit in the same way.

Background of the Study

Conducted by Dr. Roger G. Faix from the University of Utah alongside researchers from 19 medical centers, this extensive study observed 188 preterm infants diagnosed with HIE between 2015 and 2020. Participants were randomly divided into two groups; one received the cooling therapy where their body temperature was lowered to around 92 degrees Fahrenheit, while the other group maintained a normal temperature.

When evaluated between 18 to 22 months post-treatment, the comparisons were alarming. 35% of those who underwent cooling treatment faced death or disabilities, whereas the figure was slightly lower at 29% for those kept at regular temperature. More alarmingly, deaths reported were 20% in the cooling group compared to only 12% in the standard care group. After calculating risks, the study found that infants receiving cold therapy had a staggering 74% higher risk of death or disability and an 87% increased risk of mortality.

Implications of the Findings

The implications of this study shake the foundation of neonatal care practices for at-risk preterm infants. Although the use of cooling treatment has seen a rise in popularity among medical professionals, this study clearly evidences the need for a reassessment of its usage in this vulnerable demographic, given the potential detrimental outcomes.

Dr. Nahida Chaktoura, chief of the NICHD Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, has made herself available for comments regarding the study. The findings were published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal, pressing the urgent need for further research and the development of alternative therapies that effectively assist preterm infants suffering from HIE.

Conclusion

With the healthcare community in shock following these findings, the study by Dr. Faix and his team calls for immediate attention to the methodologies used in treating HIE. As more insights emerge from ongoing research, the focus may need to shift towards exploring other, more beneficial interventions that could better support the health and development of preterm infants at risk from such life-threatening conditions.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), along with the NIH, continues its commitment to improving infant health outcomes through rigorous research and innovation.