Pharmacologic considerations in the management of the asphyxiated newborn.

The causes of hypoxia and ischemia in the newborn are presented and the possible mechanisms of hypoxic- ischemic cerebral injury discussed in conjunction with the current therapeutic agents used in attempt to minimize neurological sequelae. More recent, non-invasive methods for measuring cerebral injury may allow more accurate assessment of cerebral injury and permit detailed evaluation of various therapies.