Scientists at Bonn University Hospital (UKB) and DZNE tested 25 different approaches to prevent brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. Results published in the journal scientific reportsIt can form the basis of new treatment methods of newborns.
In a new study, scientists tested 25 different substances in animals to prevent brain damage caused by lack of oxygen at birth, which causes one million newborn deaths worldwide each year.
Animals were treated for up to six days, depending on the specific agent and conditions of use. Seven days after starvation, the animals’ brains were examined for damage.
Caffeine treatment was the most effective: loss of brain matter was minimal, and the effect was also significantly higher than artificial cooling, the standard method of injury prevention. The other six substances were also found to be more effective than standard artificial cooling therapy. These included the hormone melatonin, gout remedy, antiallergic agent and fish oil.
Treatment called therapeutic hypothermia is used to prevent brain damage in oxygen-deficient newborns. The baby’s body temperature is lowered to about 33°C for several days. As the scientists explain, cooling slows down the metabolism and gives the brain the opportunity to regenerate – this increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of long-term consequences. Therapy requires the use of sophisticated expensive equipment. In high-income countries the procedure is well established, but 40% of children do not respond to treatment.
“The advantage of drug therapy is that it doesn’t require advanced medical equipment. If caffeine really were the drug of choice, we would also have a cheap and readily available drug. It’s suitable for developing countries, but it’s certainly available in high-income countries,” the scientists explained.
ancient scientists to create a way of changing the plan of dreams with the help of electrical impulses.