Authors

Laura Larena Fernández1, María López Cabrejas1, Tania Fernández Merino1, Nieves Gasca Roche1, Iria Quintela Sánchez1, Delia González de la Cuesta2

Position

1Grado en Enfermería y Especialista en Enfermería pediátrica. Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. Zaragoza (España)2Máster (Universidad de Zaragoza). Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón. Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. Zaragoza (España)

Contact address

Laura Larena Fernández. C/ Ibón de Catieras, 16. 50011 Zaragoza.

Contact email: llarenaf@salud.aragon.es

Abstract

Objective: to describe the Nursing care needs derived of the main consequences in newborns (NBs) diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and treated with therapeutic hypothermia at the Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet in Zaragoza (Spain).
Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data about 32 patients, through clinical record review. The study variables were sociodemographic, clinical (the scale by García-Alix was used to determine the severity of GIE), and Nursing care needs.
Results: thirty-two (32) patients were studied; 68.8% were diagnosed with moderate HIE and 31.2% with severe HIE, with 21.9% of death outcomes after treatment. Out of these patients, 31.3% suffered meconium fluid aspiration at the time of delivery; 32% had visual alterations, 20% had alterations in their skin integrity, 16% had elimination problems and epileptic seizures, and 12% presented microcephalia. 100% of them were enrolled in school, 12% had support at school, and only 4% needed to attend a special education centre. Regarding their families, 68% received support after discharge from hospital, and 56% were included in an early care program.
Conclusion: the paediatric population with HIE treated with hypothermia presented sequels at medium-long term; the most relevant were visual and skin integrity alterations, elimination problems, epileptic seizures and microcephalia. Programs for follow-up and support after discharge from hospital must be promoted, for an early detection of warning signs, as well as for accompanying their families.

Keywords:

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; newborn; therapeutic hypothermia; complications; nursing care

Versión en Español

Título:

Necesidades de cuidados en recién nacidos con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica tratados con hipotermia terapéutica