Perinatal asphyxia in new-born babies

A poor adaptation of the foetus during labour and of the new-born at birth, will result in perinatal asphyxia. This severe condition has no specific treatment but can easily be prevented. The use of animal models has led to the understanding of its' physiopathology. Cellular death implies necrosis and apoptosis phenomena's; It results in the accumulation of intracellular calcium, in the membrane instability and in the excessive production of free radicals and excito-toxic phenomena's. Treatment deals with hypothermia, the use of anti-excito-toxic agents, and growth factors (1 figure, 2 tables, 3 boxes, 52 references).