Perinatal neuroprotection

SummaryThe ability to protect or rescue the central nervous system from hypoxic–ischaemic injury has yet to materialise into clinical reality. However, exciting advances have recently occurred in this field and in this article the mounting evidence for perinatal neuroprotective interventions is reviewed. A multi-modal approach is advocated, based on the recent findings that hypothermia is therapeutic for sufferers of perinatal asphyxia. As anaesthetic/sedative agents need to be co-administered available data to define the best putative protective adjunct to hypothermia is also reviewed.