Diagnostic role of optic nerve sheath diameter and brain blood flow in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Purpose The primary aim was to study the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements and cerebral blood flows in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who were at risk of cerebral edema and to compare the measurements with healthy neonates. Methods Neonates diagnosed as Stage II and III HIE patients were enrolled in the study group. ONSD measurements and blood flow Doppler studies in the first 24–48 h of life during hypothermia and following hypothermia treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transfontanelle ultrasonography were performed within the first 4–7 days of life in all HIE patients. Saved US and MRI images were assessed by a blind pediatric radiologist later on. Results Data from a total of 63 infants (42 in the HIE group and 21 in the control group) were analyzed. Both the right and left ONSD measurements were comparable between HIE and control groups. However, both resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery were found to be significantly lower in HIE (0.69 ± 0.09 and 1.14 (0.98–1.30)) group when compared with controls (0.75 ± 0.04 and 1.41 (1.25–1.52)) ( p