A recent study published in the Annales Africaines de Médecine has shed light on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The research, conducted from May 2024 to March 2026, aimed to assess the neurodevelopmental outcomes of newborns who experienced perinatal asphyxia complicated by HIE. The study involved 127 newborns with asphyxia, of whom 48 had HIE. The researchers used clinical criteria to recruit participants and performed Thompson scores and integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) during the first 48 hours of life.
The study found that at 3 months, 18.9% of the infants with HIE showed abnormal movements. The researchers used the General Movement Assessment (GMA) to evaluate the infants' movements at 3 months. At 12 months, 19.1% of the infants had neurodevelopmental delay, according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). The ASQ-3 is a widely used tool for assessing child development. The study's findings suggest that HIE has a significant impact on infant development in Kinshasa.
The study's results also revealed that at 18 months, 45.5% of the infants with HIE were in the "black zone" and 36.4% were in the "gray zone" of the ASQ-3. The black zone indicates significant developmental delay, while the gray zone suggests some developmental concerns. The study found that the infants' motor and communication skills were particularly affected. These findings highlight the need for early intervention and support for infants with HIE in Kinshasa.
The researchers also investigated the correlation between the Thompson score and the infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes. They found a significant negative correlation between the Thompson score and performance at 12 months (r = -0.449; p = 0.036) and 18 months (r = -0.650; p = 0.030). This suggests that the Thompson score can be a useful predictor of neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with HIE.
The study's findings have important implications for the management of infants with HIE in low-resource settings. The researchers suggest that early Thompson scoring and aEEG can be excellent predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes, supporting their systematic integration into early management protocols. This could help healthcare providers identify infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and provide targeted interventions to support their development.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, including David Vakanda Nzolanzo, Christelle Kabongo Kaja, and Michel Syahava Musavuli. The researchers used a prospective cohort study design to investigate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with HIE. The study's results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of HIE on infant development in low-resource settings.
The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and support for infants with HIE in Kinshasa. The researchers emphasize that early detection and intervention are critical to preventing long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. The study's results also underscore the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and resources to support the management of infants with HIE in low-resource settings.
Key points
- The study found a significant correlation between the Thompson score and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with HIE.
- Early Thompson scoring and aEEG can be useful predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with HIE.
- The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and support for infants with HIE in Kinshasa.
