Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) occurs in 20 per 1000 births. Only 47% of neonates treated with the state of the art therapy (induced systemic hypothermia) have normal outcomes. Therefore, other promising therapies that potentially work in synergy with hypothermia to improve neurologic outcomes need to be tested. One potential agent is melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring substance produced mainly from the pineal gland. Melatonin is widely known for its role in regulating the circadian rhythm, but it has many other effects that may benefit infants with HI injury. Melatonin serves as a free radical scavenger, decreases inflammatory cytokines, and stimulates anti-oxidant enzymes. Therefore, melatonin may interrupt several key components in the pathophysiology of HIE, in turn minimizing cell death and improving outcomes. The research study will evaluate the neuroprotective properties and appropriate dose of Melatonin to give to infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
Eligible infants are >36 0/7th weeks gestation,
pH (cord or neonatal) <7.0,
base deficit >16 mEq/L,
no available blood gas,
suspected inborn errors of metabolism (elevated ammonia) and hypoglycemia,
clinical signs and symptoms consistent with meningitis detected upon sepsis evaluation,
a diagnosis of congenital abdominal surgical problems along with multiple congenital anomalies and/or chromosomal abnormalities.
University of Florida
Lead sponsor
Thrasher Research Fund
Collaborator