Advances in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Neuroprotection, Neuroimaging, and Emerging Therapies

Dear Colleagues,

[*] Background & history of this topic: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains a major cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) worldwide. Although therapeutic hypothermia has significantly improved outcomes, many affected infants continue to experience adverse neurologic sequelae, highlighting the need for additional neuroprotective strategies.

[*] Aim and scope of the special issue: This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of emerging advances in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neonatal HIE. We seek to bridge the gap between bench and bedside by highlighting innovative approaches that can optimize outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Adjunctive neuroprotective strategies and therapies;
• Precision medicine approaches in neonatal neurocritical care;
• Advanced seizure management and treatment protocols;
• Multimodal neuromonitoring (e.g., aEEG, conventional EEG, NIRS);
• Novel biochemical, genetic, and clinical biomarkers;
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques (e.g., MRI, MRS);
• Stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies;
• Ethical considerations and decision-making in neonatal neurocritical care.

[*] Cutting-edge research: We invite submissions of original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, translational investigations, and multidisciplinary perspectives that advance our understanding and improve outcomes for infants with HIE. Through this Special Issue, we hope to foster global collaboration, bridge multidisciplinary clinical teams, and stimulate innovation in the rapidly evolving field of neonatal neuroprotection.

[*] What kind of papers we are soliciting:

We are looking for high-quality, impactful manuscripts that fit the following criteria:

• Clinical and Translational Research: Highlighting novel therapeutic interventions or diagnostic tools;
• Methodological Rigor: Containing robust data analyses, well-defined patient cohorts, or meticulously designed preclinical models;
• Comprehensive Reviews: Synthesizing the current literature on controversial topics or emerging management guidelines in the NICU.

Dr. Elena V. Wachtel
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
• therapeutic hypothermia
• neuroprotection
• neurodevelopmental impairment
• stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine
• precision medicine
• neonatal neurocritical care
• neonatal ethics