Purpose of review: Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in term infants. The developing brain is uniquely vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic injury, with a complex evolution of injury that affords opportunities for intervention, yet potentially jeopardizes normal maturational processes.
Recent findings: Data published over the past year have provided insights into the evolution of injury, and have suggested a greater role for oxidants and inflammatory mediators.
Summary: The search for ideal neuroprotective agents and techniques for timely injury detection is actively progressing and has led to advances in our understanding of pathogenesis.