Cooling for neonatal encephalopathy in 2010

This article provides an overview of the role therapeutic cooling now plays in the treatment of neonatal encephalopathy in the UK. Following the publication of the TOBY Study in October 2009, two meta-analyses were produced and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) conducted a consultation on therapeutic hypothermia in order to publish new guidance, which was issued in May 2010. The British Association for Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) is drafting recommendations and increasing numbers of neonatal units are providing cooling treatment. Transport of infants to cooling centres is becoming more frequent and as a result transport protocols are being developed. Research continues to study the administration of cooling treatment in combination with other therapies as well as the long-term outcomes of cooling.