Cerebral ischemia of 2nd degree in newborns: symptoms and treatment. Cerebral ischemia of 2nd degree in newborns: consequences

The brain is the main organ in the body. From its functioning depends the work of all systems of organs, the general condition and quality of life. With the development of some pathologies, the brain begins to suffer because of a lack of oxygen, and this can lead to serious consequences. One of these diseases is cerebral ischaemia of grade 2 in newborns, the consequences can be deplorable if you do not take urgent measures and do not start therapy. Let's consider what this pathology represents and whether it is possible to get rid of it.

The concept of cerebral ischemia

Not everyone understands the name of the disease, as "cerebral ischaemia 2 degrees in newborns." That this can explain the doctor and choose the tactics of treatment. This pathology is a condition in which the supply of the brain with blood is disrupted. In newly born infants, this pathology, as an independent disease, is not diagnosed often.

Most often, newborns are diagnosed with "ischemic encephalopathy", in which brain cells are damaged due to poor blood supply, that is, lack of oxygen.

If the diagnosis is "cerebral ischaemia of the 2nd degree in newborns", how to treat this pathology is determined by the attending physician depending on the state of the organism and the concomitant diseases.

Causes of development of ischemia

This pathology in newborns can develop for several reasons:

1. If during the gestation of the fetus the placental blood flow was disturbed.
2. After birth, a breathing disorder was observed.
3. Respiratory distress syndrome.
4. Congenital pneumonia.
5. Frequent attacks of stopping breathing.
6. Aspiration.
7. Congenital malformations.

Whatever the reasons, cerebral ischemia of grade 2 in a newborn can have serious consequences if the therapy is not started in time.

Development of pathology in the child

Along with blood, oxygen is spread throughout the body. It is vital for the normal operation of all organs. With a lack of it, a redistribution of blood flow takes place and, first of all, oxygen-rich blood receives the heart and brain. It turns out that other systems of organs begin to suffer from its lack.

If the pathology is not detected in a timely manner and the reasons that provoked it are not eliminated, the lack of oxygen will gradually start to negatively affect the state of the nerve cells - they begin to die off. This is how cerebral ischaemia develops in grade 2 in newborns, the consequences depend on the severity of the condition and the rapid response of doctors. The prognosis for the baby will also depend on the number of dead cells. If there is a hemorrhage in the brain, the chances of recovery and survival are significantly reduced.

The provoking factors

The attendant factors that may lead to the development of ischemia can be grouped into three groups:

1. Flow of labor. The risk of pathology is increased if:

• There was a bleeding during the bearing of the baby or in the process of labor;
• Emergency cesarean section;
• High fever;
• Premature delivery;
• Small weight of the baby;
• Turbidity of amniotic fluid;
• Premature placental abruption;
• Impetuous labor activity.

2. The condition of the mother may cause the development of ischemia in the child, especially when:

• The future mother has neurological problems;
• There are pathologies in the work of the endocrine system;
• Pregnancy at a later age;
• The presence of chronic pathologies in the mother.

3. Pregnancy is also very important: if there is preeclampsia or eclampsia, then there are all chances for the development of a pathology such as cerebral ischaemia of the 2nd degree in the newborn. Consequences can be different.

These factors are not a 100% guarantee for the development of pathology. Even intrauterine disorders do not always end with the development of cerebral ischemia after birth, the consequences can be eliminated if pathology is detected in time and all measures are taken.

How is the disease manifested?

This pathology has different degrees of manifestation. Serious has cerebral ischaemia of 2nd degree in newborn symptoms, and treatment is required promptly. That's what should alert the doctors and Mom:

• Reduced muscle tone.
• Great pauses in breathing.
• Tendon reflexes are poorly manifested.
• Sluggish reflexes Moreau.

The following syndromes are also noted:

1. The syndrome of increased excitability, which manifests itself in weeping for no reason, restless and superficial sleep, wincing.
2. Hydrocephalic syndrome can be recognized by increasing the size of the head and large fontanel.
3. There is a convulsive syndrome.
4. If there is cerebral ischaemia of 2nd degree in newborns, the oppression syndrome reduces the sucking and swallowing reflexes, the muscle tone is weakened, and strabismus may appear.
5. The most serious syndrome is coma. At its presence the condition of the kid is heavy, there are no reflexes, there is no reaction to external stimuli, low pressure, there are problems with breathing.

When a lack of oxygen threatens the baby's life

If this pathology has 1 degree, then it is considered an easy lesion, and doctors assess the state of the newborn on the Apgar scale by 6-7 points. There is such a degree of excitation of the nervous system, if the child was born on time, and oppression in premature babies. This condition can be observed for 5-7 days.

Cerebral ischemia of grade 2 in newborns has more serious consequences, clinical cramps, respiratory arrest, and floating arm movements may appear. If we carry out laboratory tests, we find lesions of the brain parenchyma, a violation of the blood flow velocity.

If long periods of impaired motor activity are observed, poor appetite, a violation of the swallowing process, then urgent consultation of the neurologist is necessary.

A severe degree can end with a coma, which is dangerous for the baby's life. Increasing symptoms increase the risk of developing hydrocephalus.

How the disease is diagnosed

Almost always the manifestation of cerebral ischemia begins immediately after birth. If the disease has a mild degree, then the symptoms can go away on their own, but the severe form can slightly weaken its symptoms, but only for a while, and then again it will break out with renewed vigor. Therefore, when suspected of ischemia, various diagnostic procedures should be carried out, to which one can include:

1. Examination of the child for the presence of reflexes and assessment of the state on the Apgar scale.
2. General blood analysis.
3. MRI, if moderate or severe. This study helps to examine the structure of the brain and determine the degree of their defeat.
4. Ultrasound - can detect cerebral edema or a hemorrhage site.
5. The electroencephalogram is mandatory for newborns with severe disease.

If the diagnosis is "cerebral ischaemia of grade 2 in newborns," treatment will be prescribed after all studies.

The main goals of ischemia therapy

If the diagnosis is confirmed after all studies, then measures are started to maintain normal temperature, humidity, and protection from external stimuli.

Therapy in newborns should be as aggressive as possible. It has the following objectives:

• Carry out adequate ventilation of the lungs.
• To support hemodynamics.
• Carry out constant monitoring of biochemical indicators of analyzes.
• To prevent the cramps.

Where is the therapy of cerebral ischemia

We have already found out that this disease has several degrees, which differ from each other by the severity of the course. Therapy will depend entirely on the symptomatology.

1. If there is an easy degree, then in the maternity ward, the doctors take the necessary measures and prescribe the baby. Subsequently it is recommended to visit a neurologist and get the necessary consultations. Most often recommended massage and compliance with the regime of the day.
2. Cerebral ischemia of grade 2 in newborns, that this has already been determined, requires treatment in the hospital and it continues in the hospital, since the symptoms are more serious.
3. At a serious degree of the child after a birth at once place in resuscitation.

Methods of treatment of ischemia

This pathology is characterized by the fact that for it there is no conservative treatment, since the dead cells of the brain can not be replaced by viable ones. But timely prescribed maintenance therapy can stop the progression of the disease and gives an opportunity to be rehabilitated.

If the pathology is severe, it can be seen right after birth. In such cases, the following are undertaken:

1. Perform artificial ventilation of the lungs, which will help to restore independent breathing. After this, the child is constantly monitored.
2. Supportive therapy for the heart is necessary to prevent the violation of the heart rhythm appoint "Dopamine", "Dobutamine".
3. "Phenobarbital" and "Phenytoin" will help prevent cramps.
4. One of the new methods is hypothermia. It is believed that it reduces the rate of death of brain cells. But it is necessary to conduct it only under the supervision of a doctor. If the temperature is lowered by several degrees, the child is gradually warmed.

If the disease has a mild degree, then it is enough to take medications that will improve blood circulation in the brain and prevent further neuronal damage.

When the threat of hydrocephalus development is prescribed, "Furosemide", "Manitol".

2 and 3 degrees of the disease are threatened with more serious consequences, therefore it is important to take all measures and prescribe a therapy that will prevent the development of complications of ischemia. They can manifest, both in an easy degree, for example, attention deficit, and more serious, up to dementia and disability.

Komarovsky's opinion about the disease

If there is cerebral ischaemia of grade 2 in newborns, Komarovsky believes that the drug therapy yields the result, but not the same as everyone expects. It is very important in the acute period, when the effect of the damaging factor on the brain is observed, but as a rule, the pathology is detected much later, when the so-called recovery period begins for the brain. At this time, massage and physiotherapeutic procedures that will help the process of brain regeneration will be more effective. Dr. Komarovsky believes that all neurological manifestations in newborns are associated with immaturity of the brain, which will gradually come to naught if there are no serious chronic pathologies.

Effects of cerebral ischemia

Currently, medicine is at a level of development that avoids the serious consequences of cerebral ischemia, but on the condition that the diagnosis was identified in a timely manner. Many babies who have suffered this disease, there is rapid fatigue, hyperactivity, memory problems, which can affect school performance. Even when there are (if diagnosed with cerebral ischemia grade 2 in newborns) the consequences, mothers' testimonies confirm that they can be dealt with by consulting a doctor and drinking the necessary medications.

With their help, you can significantly affect the excessive activity of the baby, improve his memory and attention, respectively, the indicators in the school also improve. It is very important to find a competent specialist who will help to cope with the attendant symptoms.

The most severe consequences of cerebral ischemia are cerebral palsy and epilepsy. But this happens more often in the most severe cases and in the untimely delivered diagnosis.

What parents can do for their child

Even the 2nd degree of pathology is not a verdict. After the course of drug therapy begins the recovery period. At this time, parents play an important role, it often depends on them how severe the consequences of pathology will be. In order to develop the baby in a normal way, parents should:

• Visit with a child regularly neurologist.
• Give the baby medicine that the doctor prescribed.
• Carefully follow the psychomotor development, in order to notice deviations in a timely manner.
• Strictly follow the recommendations for the regime of the day.
• If the child has increased excitability, then provide him with a calm environment, eliminate the sources of noise.
• Often go to the fresh air.
• Take a massage course.
• Do with the baby gymnastics, a set of exercises can recommend a doctor.

Any neurological problems can be solved, because the child's nervous system is not yet fully formed, it is quite flexible and can be restored, so you can not give up. Even with the diagnosis of "cerebral ischaemia 2 degrees in newborns," the consequences may not be so terrible. The care and love of parents, and, of course, the help of doctors, will necessarily create a miracle, and the child will not lag behind his peers.