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Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy and Clinical Negligence Claims - written by Gurdeep Singh, Clin Neg Solicitor
For most families and parents the birth of a baby is a joyful and special occasion. Sadly, and unfortunately this cannot be said for all families and parents as complications during pregnancy, labour or shortly after birth can result in injury to the baby.
Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
This is type of brain damage that occurs when the baby does not receive enough oxygen and/or blood flow. This happens most commonly during pregnancy, labour or shortly after birth. HIE affects the brain. However, the effects of low oxygen or blood flow can also cause damage to other organs.
If HIE is diagnosed it is usually graded as mild, moderate or severe. If moderate or severe it may result in long-term or permanent disability or death. Long-term or permanent disability may include developmental delay, epilepsy, cognitive issues, motor skill development issues, neurodevelopment delays, cerebral palsy and a shortened life expectancy.
Causes Of HIE
Although it is not always possible to know what causes HIE, it can be caused by the following:-
Causes During Pregnancy
- Issues with blood flow to the placenta
- Preeclampsia
- Heart disease
- Issues with lung formation
- Congenital infections
- Anaemia in the fetus
- If the birthing parent has substance use disorder
Causes During The Labour And Delivery Period
- Bleeding from the placenta including abruption or tearing
- Low blood pressure in the birthing parent
- Umbilical cord problems
- Uterus rupture
Causes Shortly After Birth
- Severe lung or heart disease
- Major infection
- Low blood pressure in the baby
- Respiratory failure or cardiac arrest
Clinical negligence can also cause or contribute to HIE. Examples include but are not limited to when during the antenatal period there is a failure to diagnose mum is suffering with Preeclampsia resulting in a failure to monitor/manage the antenatal period and delivery appropriately. Another example is when it is recognised during labour that the baby is in distress but there is an avoidable delay in delivering the baby.
We Are Here To Help
The long-term or permanent effects of HIE can be devastating not only for the baby but also for families and parents. Getting the right treatment and help that the baby needs can result in lengthy waits for treatment and significant costs in aids, equipment and home adaptions for baby’s needs.
If you are concerned that HIE may have been caused by clinical negligence during the pregnancy, labour or shortly after delivery, you should seek legal advice as you may be able to claim compensation that would assist in reducing waiting times for treatment and costs of aids, equipment and home adaptions, which may improve your child’s quality of life.
Clear Law have a specialist Clinical Negligence Team, who regularly deal with these types of claims and get the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Contact Us
We are available to talk you through the process through our Free initial Consultation.
SeriousInjuryClinicalNegligenceTeam@clearlawonline.co.uk
