New technology coming to UofL Health – UofL Hospital will better ensure proper oxygen levels for newborns, critical for development and good health. This advanced care is made possible by an $84,000 grant from the WHAS Crusade for Children.
Newborn babies can develop neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), which reduces oxygen flow to the brain. While some children may experience no health issues from HIE, for others it can be fatal or cause long term disabilities. Recent studies have shown decreasing a baby’s temperature can reduce injury to the brain. This new equipment will cool the baby and safely maintain the body temperature lower than normal.
“We’re thankful to have a partner in WHAS Crusade for Children that understands the importance of investing in our littlest of patients,” said Reetta Stikes, Center for Women & Infants director at UofL Hospital. “Reduced oxygen increases the risk for developmental delays, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and cognitive impairment. But now we can decrease the risk by decreasing the infant’s temperature.”
The grant will support UofL Hospital’s purchase of three key pieces of technology to improve outcomes for HIE impacted newborns:
- ARCTIC SUN – a temperature management system
- OLYMPIC BRAINZ MONITOR – customized device to monitor brain activity
- INVOS NIRS – real-time monitoring of oxygen levels in the brain
UofL Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants supports both low and high-risk pregnancies and includes a 24 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
