Remote brain monitoring and Artificial Intelligence in newborns enable early diagnosis and the prevention of complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), perinatal asphyxia – caused by a lack of oxygen during or shortly after birth – is the third leading cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for 23% of deaths in this early stage and increasing the risk of permanent injury.
Understand how brain monitoring in newborns can save lives and prevent sequelae. Check out the full article!
Perinatal asphyxia: an event that requires maximum attention
In addition to threatening the life of the newborn, perinatal asphyxia can leave serious consequences such as cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, deafness and blindness. In Brazil, it is estimated that between 20 and 30 thousand children are born every year with some neurological impairment due to lack of oxygenation at birth. These figures reflect the human, social and economic impact, as affected children require health care, rehabilitation therapies and educational support for long periods of time.
Prevention and rapid care
Well-performed neonatal care is fundamental to reducing the impact of perinatal asphyxia. From prenatal care to delivery, prevention strategies are essential to detect risks. The presence of a professional trained in neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room makes all the difference, especially during the first minute of life when every second counts. Studies indicate that two out of every ten newborns need immediate support to breathe and ensure correct oxygenation.
The role of brain monitoring
After birth, continuous brain monitoring in the first few days is essential for detecting and minimizing neurological damage. Technology allows specialists to follow the state of the brain in real time and identify signs of complications before they worsen. With rapid interventions, it is possible to protect brain health and reduce the risk of neurological sequelae.
Among the techniques used is therapeutic hypothermia, which reduces the baby’s body temperature in a controlled manner, helping to minimize brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation. This treatment, combined with other neuroprotection strategies, has shown promising results.
Technological innovations in neonatology
Neuromonitoring technology is capable of detecting silent threats to babies’ brains, such as perinatal asphyxia and seizures, even in subclinical stages. Its impact is profound, reducing mortality and mitigating the risk of neurological sequelae in high-risk newborns, changing the fate of hundreds of children and their families.
Advanced technologies such as Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence play an ever-growing role in neonatology. The advance of digital health solutions is transforming neonatal care. These resources allow professionals to monitor the baby’s brain health in real time, 24×7, detecting risks early and implementing interventions quickly.
Rehabilitation and developmental follow-up
Follow-up after hospital discharge is an essential point in the lives of babies who have suffered episodes of perinatal asphyxia. Continuous, interdisciplinary support, involving nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and other specialists, provides these children with a better quality of life and increases their chances of achieving full neurodevelopment.
The prevention and treatment of neurological sequelae in newborns goes beyond improving the quality of life for families. Above all, it allows these children to reach their full potential.
The importance of protecting the future from the first minute of life
Investing in technology and early care is investing in the future of thousands of children. The transformation of digital health, combined with brain neuromonitoring strategies, allows us to hope for a brighter future for at-risk newborns.
“Somewhere someone is telling a boy that he can’t play because he can’t walk, a girl that she can’t learn because she can’t see. That boy deserves a chance to play. And we all win when that little girl, and all children, can read, learn and contribute.
The road ahead is challenging. But children don’t accept unnecessary limits. We shouldn’t either. Anthony Lake (Former Executive Director of UNICEF)