Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain injury in newborns caused by oxygen deprivation and/or reduced blood flow to the brain around the time of birth – potentially leading to long-term neurological complications.
HIE can impair various aspects of child development, including cognitive function, motor skills, speech, sensory processing, and socio-emotional development. It may also affect learning abilities, behavior regulation, and physical growth in some cases. Doctors also refer to this condition as perinatal asphyxia or neonatal encephalopathy.
Any injuries incurred while under the care of a medical provider may be compensated through a medical malpractice claim. Negligent doctors may be held liable for all damages they cause – including medical and non-medical expenses. Such compensations ensure that affected children can develop and grow in the best way possible.
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How Common is HIE?
According to latest estimates, HIE occurs in about 3-20 per 1000 live births (0.003% to 0.02%) in full-term infants. This figure skyrockets in preterm infants, going as high as 60% of all preterm live births in the US. Under the Sarnat Staging/Scoring System, HIE can be further subdivided into these categories:
Mild HIE – at most 5% of affected infants will develop severe handicaps Moderate HIE – 25% to 75% of affected infants will develop severe handicaps and can potentially perish at a young age Severe HIE – at least 75% of affected infants will develop severe handicaps and can potentially die young |
In the next segment, let’s study some long-term effects of HIE.
Long-Term Outcomes of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Aside from cerebral palsy, HIE can also lead to other impairments that can hinder various facets of a developing child’s life, such as:
Cognitive Development
HIE can impair learning, memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, affecting academic performance and daily functioning. Some cognitive issues that may arise due to HIE include:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Learning disorders
- Attention deficits
- Executive function problems
Motor Skills
HIE may cause long-term fine and gross motor impairments, affecting daily activities and physical participation. Some physical impairments related to HIE include:
- Coordination difficulties
- Fine motor deficits
- Delayed gross motor development
- Balance issues
Language and Communication
Children with HIE may experience delays in language acquisition and communication skills, impacting expression and comprehension. Some communication issues related to HIE include:
- Speech delays
- Articulation problems
- Language processing difficulties
- Auditory processing issues
Behavioral and Emotional Development
HIE can affect emotional regulation and behavior, leading to challenges in social interactions and relationships. Some behavioral and emotional impairments caused by HIE include:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Social skill deficits
- Anxiety or depression
- Behavioral disorders
Sensory Processing
HIE may impact how a child perceives and responds to sensory information from their environment. Some sensory impairments related to HIE include:
- Sensory integration difficulties
- Hypersensitivity to stimuli
- Visual processing issues
- Auditory processing problems
Medical Complications
Children with HIE may face ongoing medical challenges requiring long-term management. Some medical complications related to HIE include:
- Epilepsy
- Feeding difficulties
- Sleep disorders
- Endocrine dysfunction
Malpractices that Lead to HIE
Labor and delivery can be tedious and sensitive. Doctors and their medical staff must properly diagnose all risk factors associated with the mother and child; and diligently work around these identified complications. Failing to do so poses a great threat to the well-being of their patients.
Some medical malpractices that could potentially lead to HIE include:
- Failure to monitor and properly respond to fetal distress
- Delayed or improper cesarean section
- Misdiagnosis of high-risk pregnancies
- Inappropriate use of labor-inducing drugs
- Mishandling of umbilical cord complications
- Improper resuscitation of the newborn
In New York, under the Medical Indemnity Fund, mothers and children may be properly compensated for medical malpractices that result in neurological birth injuries.
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Treatments and Compensation
When treating HIE, affected children may require long-term medical management and rehabilitative therapies. Necessary treatments may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments for HIE focus on the following:
- Therapeutic hypothermia
- Supportive management to prevent additional injury (seizure control, maintaining adequate perfusion, managing electrolyte balance, controlling glycemic levels)
- Post-resuscitation care (adequate oxygenation, ventilation, and hydration)
- Complication-specific treatments (may include surgery in some cases)
- On-going medications
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.