Scientists have developed a blood test that can identify if a baby has suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. Following oxygen deprivation at birth, brain injury can develop over hours to months and affect different regions of the brain. They therefore examined babies who developed adverse neuro-developmental issues had a unique host blood gene expression profile at birth. The trial also examines the use of hypothermia – extreme cooling – on babies to prevent brain injuries developing following oxygen deprivation. Cooling the baby's body and brain temperature in a controlled environment alters chemical processes in the brain and can reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.

Source: Daily Mail August 04, 2020 13:23 UTC