Predicting outcome in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Predicting the neurologic outcome of a child who has sustained a hypoxic-ischemic insult continues to be a common dilemma faced by emergency room physicians, intensivists, and pediatric neurologists. Important data from history and physical examination are crucial for the treating physicians to make these predictions. Occasionally, ancillary studies will be helpful as well. This article summarizes the clinical approach to a pediatric patient with data from the history, neurologic examination, and several ancillary studies that will help treating physicians with these predictions.