We are thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative through the Newborn Brain Society (NBS): the NBS HIE Collaborative — a multicenter, multinational retrospective study on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This collaborative aims to launch in mid-2025 and is designed to advance our understanding of HIE incidence, management, and outcomes on a global scale.
This will be the largest and most inclusive dataset on neonatal HIE, collecting standardized core data elements on neonates with HIE treated with therapeutic hypothermia. By participating, you will collaborate with a global network of experts, contribute to research that drives quality improvements, and receive recognition in all resulting manuscripts authored "on behalf of the NBS HIE Collaborative Initiative".
The study has three aims:
1. Quantify the prevalence and characteristics of neonatal HIE across diverse sites.
2. Assess variability in cardiovascular management strategies and their impact on outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and neurological status at discharge.
3. Investigate differences in systemic management practices, including sedation, antiseizure medications, feeding and holding, and their effects on clinical outcomes.
We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and actively seek participation from institutions worldwide to ensure the study reflects the global burden and management of HIE. We encourage institutions of all sizes and from all regions to join, fostering a collaborative environment that values varied perspectives and expertise.
To participate, your institution must:
- Have the capacity (access to data and staff) to contribute data on neonatal HIE admissions.
- Obtain IRB approval and establish a Data Use Agreement with the coordinating institution (the NBS HIE Collaborative team will provide support through this process)
- Agree to voluntarily contribute data without receiving additional funding for data collection.
Data collection will focus on a retrospective period (e.g., January to December 2024) using a standardized form. Participating sites will have opportunities to engage in data analysis and manuscript development.
Please fill out the form on the next page to express your interest. Centers not providing cooling but with relevant data are also welcome. Share any comments or suggestions as well.
Thank you for considering this important initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the care and outcomes of neonates with brain injury.
For questions, contact Pia Wintermark at pia.wintermark@mcgill.ca and Eric Peeples at epeeples@childrensnebraska.org. Additional members of the NBS HIE Collaborative team include Mohamed El Dib, Betsy Pilon, Danielle Barber, and Eleanor Molloy.
We look forward to collaborating with you!