Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage in infants that stems from inadequate blood and oxygen during birth. This condition is not only dangerous, but requires immediate medical intervention.
Sadly, HIE is relatively common, affecting 20 out of every 1000 full-term births. That’s an incidence rate of about 60 percent. Additionally, it’s the primary cause of infant deaths in Utah and throughout the United States, as well as the main reason for severe physical impairments.
With such high risks, it is important that parents and doctors be aware of such an unfortunate medical occurrence in order to more fully prevent incidents of wrongful death.
Premature babies are especially at risk for HIE, so it is important that if doctors see signs, they are attended to immediately. These signs consist of low heart rate, poor muscle tone, weak breathing and bluish or pale skin color.
Whether the baby is born in Utah or anywhere else, HIE can have long-lasting effects, even if immediately responded to. Some treatments merely keep the baby alive if symptoms are severe. There are ways, however, to try and reverse any brain damage.
Most of the time, babies with mild symptoms of HIE can be treated, while those with severe symptoms will have complications for the rest of their lives. These complications can include epilepsy, developmental delays, cognitive issues, etc.
If your beloved baby has genuinely been a victim of wrongful death due to HIE, contact your local personal injury lawyer for help receiving proper compensation.