Enhancing the neuroprotective benefit of hypothermia with melatonin in the asphyxiated neonate

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During labour, asphyxic episodes which cause a severe reduction in oxygen supply can become prolonged and result in perinatal brain injury, termed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which may underlie cerebral palsy. Presently, newborn infants with suspected encephalopathy are cooled, which modestly protects the brain against cellular injury. We propose that the administration of melatonin to the newborn, in addition to cooling, will decrease the post-asphyxic formation of oxygen free radicals, thereby reducing the progression of brain damage.