INTRODUÇÃO: A encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica (EHI) corresponde a uma das maiores causas de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. Ocorre em consequência à asfixia perinatal aguda, representada por baixo escore de Apgar e evidências de distúrbios neurológicos ao nascimento. A hipotermia terapêutica (HT) tem mostrado benefícios relevantes no prognóstico neurológico a longo prazo, por reduzir o metabolismo cerebral, retardando o início da despolarização hipóxica celular. Os efeitos da HT no sistema cardiovascular foram pouco estudados, suscitando questionamentos quanto à adequada interpretação dos achados ecocardiográficos nesta condição terapêutica. OBJETIVO: avaliar o comportamento hemodinâmico e da função ventricular de recém-nascidos com EHI na vigência de HT, utilizando-se técnicas ecocardiográficas convencionais e avançadas. MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo observacional desenvolvido em três instituições, em que 22 recém-nascidos com EHI foram avaliados por meio da ecocardiografia nas duas fases da HT (durante a hipotermia e após o reaquecimento). O grupo controle foi composto por 22 recém-nascidos saudáveis. Os bebês foram submetidos a HT seguindo critérios do protocolo de hipotermia de cada um dos serviços. RESULTADOS: Função ventricular esquerda: as frações de ejeção (FE) e de encurtamento foram maiores após o reaquecimento (74 ± 5% e 41 ± 5% respectivamente) em relação ao grupo controle (70 ± 5%, p = 0,003 e 37 ± 4%, p = 0,002). O índice de performance miocárdica (IPM) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) avaliado pelo Doppler pulsado se manteve constante nas duas fases da HT (0,51 ± 0,13, hipotermia = reaquecimento) e foi menor na comparação destas com o grupo controle (0,63 ± 0,18, p = 0,02). Os valores do strain circunferencial e radial, do twist, da torção e do strain longitudinal global do VE (STLGLVE) foram semelhantes entre o grupo controle e o grupo estudo, tanto durante a hipotermia quanto após o reaquecimento. Função ventricular direita: Observou-se incremento da velocidade da onda s´ do ventrículo direito (VD) após o reaquecimento (de 0,07 ± 0,02 m/s durante a hipotermia para 0,09 ± 0,01 m/s, p < 0,001), sendo esta também mais elevada quando comparada aos valores do grupo controle (0,07 ± 0,01 m/s, p < 0,001). Houve queda dos valores da variação fracional das áreas (FAC) do VD após o reaquecimento (38 ± 11% durante a hipotermia, 36 ± 11% após o reaquecimento e 43 ± 10% grupo controle), com diferenças significativas entre esses dois últimos (p = 0,03). Quanto ao IPM do VD, o grupo controle apresentou médias menores (0,29 ± 0,13) que o grupo caso durante a hipotermia (0,46 ± 0,33, p = 0,03). O strain longitudinal global do VD (STLGLVD) foi significativamente pior tanto durante a hipotermia (-18 ± -5%, p = 0,02) quanto após o reaquecimento (-18 ± 4%, p = 0,01) quando comparados ao grupo controle (-21 ± 2%). Parâmetros hemodinâmicos: A pressão sistólica na artéria pulmonar foi mais elevada no grupo estudo durante as duas fases do tratamento (hipotermia 45 ± 24 mmHg, p = 0,02 e reaquecimento 53 ± 34 mmHg, p = 0,01 versus grupo controle 29 ± 11 mmHg). A FC foi significativamente mais baixa durante a hipotermia comparada ao período após o reaquecimento (FC 111 ± 19 bpm versus 144 ± 20 bpm, p < 0,001) e ao grupo controle (FC 130 ± 16 bpm, p < 0,001). Durante o reaquecimento, observou-se elevação do débito cardíaco (DC) esquerdo e direito em relação ao período de hipotermia (DC esquerdo 214 ± 39 ml/kg/min versus 155 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p < 0,001; DC direito 369 ± 141 ml/kg/min versus 269 ± 113 ml/Kg/min, p = 0,005) sendo significativamente mais elevado que no grupo controle (DC Esquerdo 174 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p = 0,004 e DC direito 288 ± 74 ml/Kg/min, p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: A função ventricular esquerda permanece estável nas duas fases da HT, demonstrando o baixo comprometimento cardíaco esquerdo do resfriamento induzido. Os valores da FE, da fração de encurtamento e da onda s´ do VD, maiores após o reaquecimento, podem ser consequentes a um estado hiperdinâmico do coração. Disfunção ventricular direita foi observada nos momentos em que a pressão pulmonar estava elevada. O STLGLVD foi a única ferramenta capaz de identificar o comprometimento da função sistólica do VD durante a HT. / INTRODUCTION: The hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) corresponds to one of the biggest causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It occurs in consequence to acute perinatal asphyxia, represented by low Apgar score and evidences of neurological disorders in birth. The therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has shown significant benefits in long term neurological prognosis, by reducing the cerebral metabolism, delaying the onset of the hypoxic depolarization in cellular level. The TH effects in cardiovascular system have been insufficiently researched, raising questions regarding the adequate reading of the echocardiographic results in this condition. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the hemodynamic and the ventricular performance of neonates with HIE submitted to TH, using conventional and advanced echocardiographic techniques. METHODS: this research is an observational study developed in three institutions, in which 22 neonates with HIE were evaluated by echocardiography in the two phases of TH (during hypothermia and after rewarming). The control group was composed by 22 healthy neonates. The infants were submitted to TH following hypothermia protocol criteria of each services. RESULTS: Left ventricular function: the ejection fraction (EF) and the shortening fraction were higher after rewarming (74 ± 5% and 41 ± 5% respectively) compared to the control group (70 ± 5%, p = 0.003 and 37 ± 4%, p = 0.002). The myocardial performance index (MPI) of the left ventricle (LV), evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler, remained constant in the two phases of TH (0.51 ± 0.13, hypothermia = rewarming) and this MPI was lower in comparison to the control group (0.63 ± 0.18, p = 0.02). The values of the circumferential and radial strain, the twist, the torsion and the global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the LV were similar between the control group and the study group, as during hypothermia as after rewarming. Right ventricular function: it was noted increment of the right ventricle (RV) s´ wave velocity after rewarming (from 0.07 ± 0.02 m/s during hypothermia to 0.09 ± 0.01 m/s, p < 0.001), also it was higher when compared to the control group (0.07 ± 0.01 m/s, p < 0.001). There was decrease of the RV fractional area change (FAC) values after rewarming (38 ± 11% during hypothermia, 36 ± 11% after rewarming and 43 ± 10% in control group), with significant differences between these two last values (p = 0.03). Regarding RV\'s MPI, the control group presented lower averages (0.29 ± 0.13) than the case group during hypothermia (0.46 ± 0.33, p = 0.03). The RV GLS was worse as during hypothermia (-18 ± -5%, p = 0.02) as after rewarming (-18 ± 4%, p = 0.01) when compared to the control group (-21 ± 2%). Hemodynamic parameters: The pulmonary artery systolic pressure was higher in the study group during the two phases of the treatment (hypothermia 45 ± 24 mmHg, p = 0.02 and rewarming 53 ± 34 mmHg, p = 0.01 versus control group 29 ± 11 mmHg). The heart rate (HR) was significantly lower during hypothermia compared to the after rewarming period (HR 111 ± 19 bpm versus 144 ± 20 bpm, p < 0.001) and to the control group (HR 130 ± 16 bpm, p < 0.001). After rewarming it was seen increase of the left and right cardiac output (CO) compared to the hypothermia period (left CO 214 ± 39 ml/kg/min versus 155 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001; right CO 369 ± 141 ml/kg/min versus 269 ± 113 ml/Kg/min, p = 0.005), remaining significantly higher than in the control group (left CO 174 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p = 0.004 and right CO 288 ± 74 ml/Kg/min, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The LV function remains stable in the two phases of TH, showing low left cardiac impairment of the induced cooling. The values of EF, shortening fraction and RV s´ wave were higher after rewarming, possibly due to a hyperdynamic heart state. A right ventricular dysfunction was observed when the pulmonary artery systolic pressure was high. The RV GLS was the only tool able to identify the RV systolic impairment during TH.

INTRODUÇÃO: A encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica (EHI) corresponde a uma das maiores causas de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. Ocorre em consequência à asfixia perinatal aguda, representada por baixo escore de Apgar e evidências de distúrbios neurológicos ao nascimento. A hipotermia terapêutica (HT) tem mostrado benefícios relevantes no prognóstico neurológico a longo prazo, por reduzir o metabolismo cerebral, retardando o início da despolarização hipóxica celular. Os efeitos da HT no sistema cardiovascular foram pouco estudados, suscitando questionamentos quanto à adequada interpretação dos achados ecocardiográficos nesta condição terapêutica. OBJETIVO: avaliar o comportamento hemodinâmico e da função ventricular de recém-nascidos com EHI na vigência de HT, utilizando-se técnicas ecocardiográficas convencionais e avançadas. MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo observacional desenvolvido em três instituições, em que 22 recém-nascidos com EHI foram avaliados por meio da ecocardiografia nas duas fases da HT (durante a hipotermia e após o reaquecimento). O grupo controle foi composto por 22 recém-nascidos saudáveis. Os bebês foram submetidos a HT seguindo critérios do protocolo de hipotermia de cada um dos serviços. RESULTADOS: Função ventricular esquerda: as frações de ejeção (FE) e de encurtamento foram maiores após o reaquecimento (74 ± 5% e 41 ± 5% respectivamente) em relação ao grupo controle (70 ± 5%, p = 0,003 e 37 ± 4%, p = 0,002). O índice de performance miocárdica (IPM) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) avaliado pelo Doppler pulsado se manteve constante nas duas fases da HT (0,51 ± 0,13, hipotermia = reaquecimento) e foi menor na comparação destas com o grupo controle (0,63 ± 0,18, p = 0,02). Os valores do strain circunferencial e radial, do twist, da torção e do strain longitudinal global do VE (STLGLVE) foram semelhantes entre o grupo controle e o grupo estudo, tanto durante a hipotermia quanto após o reaquecimento. Função ventricular direita: Observou-se incremento da velocidade da onda s´ do ventrículo direito (VD) após o reaquecimento (de 0,07 ± 0,02 m/s durante a hipotermia para 0,09 ± 0,01 m/s, p < 0,001), sendo esta também mais elevada quando comparada aos valores do grupo controle (0,07 ± 0,01 m/s, p < 0,001). Houve queda dos valores da variação fracional das áreas (FAC) do VD após o reaquecimento (38 ± 11% durante a hipotermia, 36 ± 11% após o reaquecimento e 43 ± 10% grupo controle), com diferenças significativas entre esses dois últimos (p = 0,03). Quanto ao IPM do VD, o grupo controle apresentou médias menores (0,29 ± 0,13) que o grupo caso durante a hipotermia (0,46 ± 0,33, p = 0,03). O strain longitudinal global do VD (STLGLVD) foi significativamente pior tanto durante a hipotermia (-18 ± -5%, p = 0,02) quanto após o reaquecimento (-18 ± 4%, p = 0,01) quando comparados ao grupo controle (-21 ± 2%). Parâmetros hemodinâmicos: A pressão sistólica na artéria pulmonar foi mais elevada no grupo estudo durante as duas fases do tratamento (hipotermia 45 ± 24 mmHg, p = 0,02 e reaquecimento 53 ± 34 mmHg, p = 0,01 versus grupo controle 29 ± 11 mmHg). A FC foi significativamente mais baixa durante a hipotermia comparada ao período após o reaquecimento (FC 111 ± 19 bpm versus 144 ± 20 bpm, p < 0,001) e ao grupo controle (FC 130 ± 16 bpm, p < 0,001). Durante o reaquecimento, observou-se elevação do débito cardíaco (DC) esquerdo e direito em relação ao período de hipotermia (DC esquerdo 214 ± 39 ml/kg/min versus 155 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p < 0,001; DC direito 369 ± 141 ml/kg/min versus 269 ± 113 ml/Kg/min, p = 0,005) sendo significativamente mais elevado que no grupo controle (DC Esquerdo 174 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p = 0,004 e DC direito 288 ± 74 ml/Kg/min, p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: A função ventricular esquerda permanece estável nas duas fases da HT, demonstrando o baixo comprometimento cardíaco esquerdo do resfriamento induzido. Os valores da FE, da fração de encurtamento e da onda s´ do VD, maiores após o reaquecimento, podem ser consequentes a um estado hiperdinâmico do coração. Disfunção ventricular direita foi observada nos momentos em que a pressão pulmonar estava elevada. O STLGLVD foi a única ferramenta capaz de identificar o comprometimento da função sistólica do VD durante a HT. / INTRODUCTION: The hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) corresponds to one of the biggest causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It occurs in consequence to acute perinatal asphyxia, represented by low Apgar score and evidences of neurological disorders in birth. The therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has shown significant benefits in long term neurological prognosis, by reducing the cerebral metabolism, delaying the onset of the hypoxic depolarization in cellular level. The TH effects in cardiovascular system have been insufficiently researched, raising questions regarding the adequate reading of the echocardiographic results in this condition. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the hemodynamic and the ventricular performance of neonates with HIE submitted to TH, using conventional and advanced echocardiographic techniques. METHODS: this research is an observational study developed in three institutions, in which 22 neonates with HIE were evaluated by echocardiography in the two phases of TH (during hypothermia and after rewarming). The control group was composed by 22 healthy neonates. The infants were submitted to TH following hypothermia protocol criteria of each services. RESULTS: Left ventricular function: the ejection fraction (EF) and the shortening fraction were higher after rewarming (74 ± 5% and 41 ± 5% respectively) compared to the control group (70 ± 5%, p = 0.003 and 37 ± 4%, p = 0.002). The myocardial performance index (MPI) of the left ventricle (LV), evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler, remained constant in the two phases of TH (0.51 ± 0.13, hypothermia = rewarming) and this MPI was lower in comparison to the control group (0.63 ± 0.18, p = 0.02). The values of the circumferential and radial strain, the twist, the torsion and the global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the LV were similar between the control group and the study group, as during hypothermia as after rewarming. Right ventricular function: it was noted increment of the right ventricle (RV) s´ wave velocity after rewarming (from 0.07 ± 0.02 m/s during hypothermia to 0.09 ± 0.01 m/s, p < 0.001), also it was higher when compared to the control group (0.07 ± 0.01 m/s, p < 0.001). There was decrease of the RV fractional area change (FAC) values after rewarming (38 ± 11% during hypothermia, 36 ± 11% after rewarming and 43 ± 10% in control group), with significant differences between these two last values (p = 0.03). Regarding RV\'s MPI, the control group presented lower averages (0.29 ± 0.13) than the case group during hypothermia (0.46 ± 0.33, p = 0.03). The RV GLS was worse as during hypothermia (-18 ± -5%, p = 0.02) as after rewarming (-18 ± 4%, p = 0.01) when compared to the control group (-21 ± 2%). Hemodynamic parameters: The pulmonary artery systolic pressure was higher in the study group during the two phases of the treatment (hypothermia 45 ± 24 mmHg, p = 0.02 and rewarming 53 ± 34 mmHg, p = 0.01 versus control group 29 ± 11 mmHg). The heart rate (HR) was significantly lower during hypothermia compared to the after rewarming period (HR 111 ± 19 bpm versus 144 ± 20 bpm, p < 0.001) and to the control group (HR 130 ± 16 bpm, p < 0.001). After rewarming it was seen increase of the left and right cardiac output (CO) compared to the hypothermia period (left CO 214 ± 39 ml/kg/min versus 155 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001; right CO 369 ± 141 ml/kg/min versus 269 ± 113 ml/Kg/min, p = 0.005), remaining significantly higher than in the control group (left CO 174 ± 47 ml/kg/min, p = 0.004 and right CO 288 ± 74 ml/Kg/min, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The LV function remains stable in the two phases of TH, showing low left cardiac impairment of the induced cooling. The values of EF, shortening fraction and RV s´ wave were higher after rewarming, possibly due to a hyperdynamic heart state. A right ventricular dysfunction was observed when the pulmonary artery systolic pressure was high. The RV GLS was the only tool able to identify the RV systolic impairment during TH.

Title: Functional consequences of perinatal hypoxia-ischemia in rat Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to design a set of behavioral tests which provide an effective assessment of motor and cognitive-behavioural deficits in adults rats after experimental hypoxic-ischemic insult during the perinatal period (P7). Supposed benefit is to establish a model of motor and cognitive-behavioural abilities of individuals after this procedure. Methods: The present thesis has a theoretical-empirical character. The practical part describes how the experiment was performed. 32 long Evans Rats were randomly devided into two groups: experimental group (HIE) and control group (Ctrl). The method to produce hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in the 7 day-old rats consisted of right common carotid ligation followed by systemic hypoxia by the inhalation of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen. The adult animals (55-75 days old) were tested by the following list of behavioral tests: Bar holding test, Rotarod test, Ladder rung walking test, Reaching test, Open field test and Morris water maze test. Sigma Plot and Microsoft Excel 2010 were the programs used for statistical analysis. Results: Results of Open field test, Ladder rung walking test and Morris water maze test confirmed that hypoxic-ischemic insult affects the...

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Contexte théorique : L’encéphalopathie hypoxique ischémique (EHI) est une condition du nouveau-né dans laquelle les mécanismes des variables métaboliques ne sont pas totalement compris. Cette population est particulièrement à risque d’hypo- ou d’hyperglycémie néonatales (HHN). Devant le manque de données sur le fonctionnement métabolique à la suite d’une EHI, cette étude vise à déterminer l’association entre une HHN et l’activité cérébrale mesurée par électroencéphalographie (EEG). Méthodologie : 49 participants avec EHI ont été recrutés au CHU Sainte-Justine peu après leur naissance. Ils ont été monitorés en continu à l’aide de l’EEG et des segments d’intérêt se retrouvant dans les 48 premières heures de vie ont été analysés. L’anormalité de l’activité cérébrale est déterminée selon une analyse quantitative du niveau de discontinuité caractérisée par une proportion de faibles amplitudes (seuils de 25, 15, 12,5, 10 et 7,5 uV) dans le tracé EEG. Les données de glycémie ont été recueillies de façon intermittente par le biais de prises de sang et de glucomètres de chevet. Les participants ont été répartis en 4 groupes : normoglycémie, hyperglycémie, hypoglycémie et glycémie variable (hypo- et hyper-). Résultats : L’analyse de covariation non -paramétrique a relevé une différence significative entre les ratios de discontinuité pour le seuil de 15 uV (F = 3,070 p = 0,037). Les analyses de comparaisons appariées ont montré une différence positive entre le groupe VARIABLE et le groupe contrôle (NORMO-) pour tous les seuils ainsi qu’une différence positive entre le groupe HYPER- et le groupe contrôle pour 4 des 5 seuils (25, 15, 12,5 et 7,5 uV). Aucune différence n’a été relevé entre le groupe HYPO- et le groupe contrôle pour tous les seuils. Conclusions : La variabilité glycémique et l’hyperglycémie seule ont été montrées comme étant associées à une activité cérébrale altérée caractérisée par un tracé de plus faible amplitude mesurée avec l’EEG. / Background: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a newborn condition in which the underlying mechanisms still require further understanding. This clinical population is particularly prone to neonatal hypo- and hyperglycemia (NHH). Given the need to improve our understanding of metabolic functioning following HIE, this study aims to determine the association of NHH on the brain’s background electrophysiological activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Methodology: Forty-nine newborns with HIE were recruited at Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center. Continuous EEG monitoring was started as soon as possible and segments of interest in the first 48h of life were analyzed. Brain activity was quantitatively assessed according to an index of discontinuity characterized by the proportion of low EEG amplitudes per segment (< 25, 15, 12.5, 10 and 7.5 uV cutoffs). Glucose measurements were intermittently collected using blood samples and bedside glucometers and were retrospectively retrieved from medical charts. Participants were separated in 4 groups : normoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and both (hyper- and hypo-). Results: The non-parametric covariance analyses revealed a significant difference between the discontinuity index for the 15 uV threshold (F = 3.070 p = 0.037). The pairwise comparisons showed a positive difference between the group BOTH and the control group (NORMO-) for every thresholds, the labile glucose group having a higher discontinuity index. A similar difference was found between the HYPERGLYCEMIA group and the control group for 4 out 5 thresholds (25, 15, 12.5 and 7.5 uV). No difference was found between the HYPOGLYCEMIA group and the control group. Conclusion: An abnormal glycemic profile, particularly glucose lability and hyperglycemia alone, were shown to be associated with abnormal brain activity characterized by a higher discontinuity index on the EEG.

Le potentiel acoustique évoqué (PAE) est influencé par l’âge dans de nombreuses espèces. Chez l’homme, l’augmentation de la fréquence de stimulation améliore la détection des anomalies du tronc cérébral. Son utilisation chez le poulain demeure anecdotique. Les buts de cette étude étaient: 1) de déterminer les valeurs de référence du PAE pour 3 différents protocoles de stimulation (11.33 Hz/70 dBNHL; 11.33 Hz/90 dBNHL; 90 Hz/70 dBNHL); 2) d’évaluer les effets de l’âge et de la fréquence de répétition de la stimulation acoustique sur les tracés du PAE chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois; 3) de comparer les données obtenues chez les poulains normaux à celles recueillies chez des poulains présentant des troubles neurologiques. Trente-neuf poulains normaux et 16 poulains avec des déficits neurologiques ont été inclus dans l’étude. Aucun effet de l’âge n’a été mis en évidence (p> 0,005). Aucune différence significative n’a été mise en évidence lorsque les latences absolues et relatives des poulains neurologiques ont été comparées à celles des poulains normaux (p>0,005). L’augmentation de la fréquence de stimulation acoustique n’a pas amélioré la détection d’anomalies sur les tracés de PAE chez les poulains neurologiques. Bien que toutes leurs valeurs de latences absolues et relatives soient demeurées à l’intérieur des valeurs de référence, 78,6% des poulains avec un déficit neurologique présentaient une asymétrie entre les tracés des deux oreilles. Cela démontre une différence de conduction de l’influx nerveux entre le côté droit et le côté gauche du tronc cérébral chez ces sujets. En conclusion, nous présentons ici les valeurs de référence du PAE chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois pour 3 protocoles de stimulation différents. D’autres études seraient nécessaire afin de déterminer si l’utilisation d’une fréquence de stimulation acoustique plus élevée est utile dans la détection d’anomalies du PAE chez les poulains souffrant de troubles neurologiques. La majorité des poulains avec des déficits neurologiques ont présenté des anomalies du PAE ce qui valide son utilisation pour le diagnostic de troubles neurologiques chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois. / Age and rate of acoustic stimulation are reported to affect peak latencies in brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) in different species. In foals, its use remains quite anecdotic but, as in humans and dogs, could be useful in the early diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The goals of this study were to 1) establish the reference values for BAER in foals using 3 different stimulation protocols (11.33 Hz/70 dBNHL; 11.33 Hz/90 dBNHL; 90 Hz/70 dBNHL), 2) evaluate the effects of age and rate of stimulation on BAER traces in foals up to 6 months old, and 3) compare these data with BAER obtained from foals with CNS disorders. Thirty-nine neurologically normal foals and 16 foals with neurological deficits were included in this study. No effects of age were observed in normal foals (p> 0.005). No significant differences were observed for latencies and interpeak latencies (IPL) when neurological foals were compared to normal foals (p> 0.05). Increasing the stimulation rate did not improve detection of CNS disorders. All neurologically abnormal foals had latencies and IPL within reference values. However, 78.6% of them had an asymmetry in their traces, reflecting a difference in conduction time between the left and right size of the brainstem. In conclusion, we provide reference values of BAER for foals up to 6 months using 3 different protocols. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the use of an increased rate of acoustic stimulation in foals. Most importantly, most foals with neurological deficits had also an abnormal BAER. This proves BAER is useful is the early diagnosis of neurological disorders in foals

Le potentiel acoustique évoqué (PAE) est influencé par l’âge dans de nombreuses espèces. Chez l’homme, l’augmentation de la fréquence de stimulation améliore la détection des anomalies du tronc cérébral. Son utilisation chez le poulain demeure anecdotique. Les buts de cette étude étaient: 1) de déterminer les valeurs de référence du PAE pour 3 différents protocoles de stimulation (11.33 Hz/70 dBNHL; 11.33 Hz/90 dBNHL; 90 Hz/70 dBNHL); 2) d’évaluer les effets de l’âge et de la fréquence de répétition de la stimulation acoustique sur les tracés du PAE chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois; 3) de comparer les données obtenues chez les poulains normaux à celles recueillies chez des poulains présentant des troubles neurologiques. Trente-neuf poulains normaux et 16 poulains avec des déficits neurologiques ont été inclus dans l’étude. Aucun effet de l’âge n’a été mis en évidence (p> 0,005). Aucune différence significative n’a été mise en évidence lorsque les latences absolues et relatives des poulains neurologiques ont été comparées à celles des poulains normaux (p>0,005). L’augmentation de la fréquence de stimulation acoustique n’a pas amélioré la détection d’anomalies sur les tracés de PAE chez les poulains neurologiques. Bien que toutes leurs valeurs de latences absolues et relatives soient demeurées à l’intérieur des valeurs de référence, 78,6% des poulains avec un déficit neurologique présentaient une asymétrie entre les tracés des deux oreilles. Cela démontre une différence de conduction de l’influx nerveux entre le côté droit et le côté gauche du tronc cérébral chez ces sujets. En conclusion, nous présentons ici les valeurs de référence du PAE chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois pour 3 protocoles de stimulation différents. D’autres études seraient nécessaire afin de déterminer si l’utilisation d’une fréquence de stimulation acoustique plus élevée est utile dans la détection d’anomalies du PAE chez les poulains souffrant de troubles neurologiques. La majorité des poulains avec des déficits neurologiques ont présenté des anomalies du PAE ce qui valide son utilisation pour le diagnostic de troubles neurologiques chez le poulain de moins de 6 mois. / Age and rate of acoustic stimulation are reported to affect peak latencies in brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) in different species. In foals, its use remains quite anecdotic but, as in humans and dogs, could be useful in the early diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The goals of this study were to 1) establish the reference values for BAER in foals using 3 different stimulation protocols (11.33 Hz/70 dBNHL; 11.33 Hz/90 dBNHL; 90 Hz/70 dBNHL), 2) evaluate the effects of age and rate of stimulation on BAER traces in foals up to 6 months old, and 3) compare these data with BAER obtained from foals with CNS disorders. Thirty-nine neurologically normal foals and 16 foals with neurological deficits were included in this study. No effects of age were observed in normal foals (p> 0.005). No significant differences were observed for latencies and interpeak latencies (IPL) when neurological foals were compared to normal foals (p> 0.05). Increasing the stimulation rate did not improve detection of CNS disorders. All neurologically abnormal foals had latencies and IPL within reference values. However, 78.6% of them had an asymmetry in their traces, reflecting a difference in conduction time between the left and right size of the brainstem. In conclusion, we provide reference values of BAER for foals up to 6 months using 3 different protocols. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the use of an increased rate of acoustic stimulation in foals. Most importantly, most foals with neurological deficits had also an abnormal BAER. This proves BAER is useful is the early diagnosis of neurological disorders in foals

L’hypoxo-ischémie (HI) cérébrale néonatale représente une des principales causes de mortalité et de morbidité chez les nouveau-nés. Sa physiopathologie implique différents processus délétères menant vers la perte neuronale et responsables de séquelles neuro-cognitives. L'hypothermie thérapeutique est le seul traitement actuel mais est insuffisant. Cette étude a caractérisé et comparé l’effet de deux types de cellules issues du sang de cordon humain, les cellules mononuclées (HUCBCs) et les progéniteurs endothéliaux tardifs (ECFCs) sur l’amélioration des scores neuro-comportementaux mais aussi à l’échelle moléculaire et fonctionnelle dans le modèle d’hypoxo-ischémie néonatale à court (7 jours après l’épisode ischémique) et long terme (12 semaines après l’épisode ischémique).L’injection intrapéritonéale d'ECFCs ou de HUCBCs, 2 jours après HI, améliore les capacités de motricité et de mémorisation précoce et tardive des animaux à l’âge adulte, et diminue les comportements anxieux. Ces résultats sont associés à une augmentation de la densité capillaire en temps précoce et tardif. L’imagerie de perfusion cérébrale SPECT/CT a objectivé une restauration complète de la perfusion cérébrale de l’hémisphère lésé à l’âge adulte par les deux types cellulaires. Ces observations tardives sont associées à un effet protecteur précoce de ces cellules sur l’augmentation de la survie neuronale et la diminution de l’astrogliose réactionnelle ou encore sur la composante inflammatoire par diminution de l’activation microgliale pro-inflammatoire au niveau striatal. Les résultats de cette étude ouvrent ainsi de nouvelles perspectives pour l’usage des ECFCs dans le traitement de l’HI néonatale. / Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) is a dramatic perinatal complication, associated with poor neurological prognosis despite neuroprotection by therapeutic hypothermia, in the absence of an available curative therapy. We evaluated and compared ready-to-use human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) and bankable but allogeneic endothelial progenitors (ECFCs) as cell therapy candidate for NHIE. We compared benefits of HUCBC and ECFC transplantation 48 hours after injury in male rat NHIE model, based on the Rice-Vannucci approach. Based on behavioral tests, immune-histological assessment and metabolic imaging of brain perfusion using SPECT, HUCBC or ECFC administration provided equally early and sustained functional benefits, up to 8 weeks after injury. These results were associated with total normalization of injured hemisphere cerebral blood flow assessed by SPECT/CT imaging. In conclusion, even if ECFCs represent an efficient candidate, HUCBCs’ autologous criteria and easier availability make them the ideal candidate for hypoxic-ischemic cell therapy.

L'encéphalopathie hypoxique ischémique néonatale (EHI) reste la cause principale de mortalité chez le nouveau-né à terme. Un tiers des survivants vont développer des séquelles neurologiques, dont la paralysie cérébrale (PC), l'épilepsie et un retard intellectuel. Afin d'améliorer leur pronostic, ces nouveau-nés sont soumis à l'hypothermie thérapeutique (HT) qui débute au plus tard 6 heures après la naissance, pour une durée totale de 72 heures, suivie d'un réchauffement graduel (0.5°C/h). Il a été démontré que cette thérapie à effet neuroprotecteur diminue considérablement l'étendue des lésions cérébrales et la fréquence des séquelles neurologiques. Or, des études animales suggèrent que l'hypothermie sans sédation avec opioïdes n'est pas bénéfique. Selon les observations qui ont été réalisées, les porcelets traités avec la thérapie, mais sans l’administration d’analgésique ont manifesté des signes d’instabilités et de tremblements exagérés. On ignorait jusqu’à présent dans quelle mesure ces résultats tirés des expérimentations animales pouvaient être généralisables au nouveau-né. Ainsi, mon projet de maîtrise vise à mieux comprendre les facteurs qui risquent de compromettre les effets bénéfiques de la thérapie de refroidissement, dans le but d’optimiser la neuroprotection et d’améliorer le développement des nourrissons atteints d’EHI. Nous avons comme objectif principal d’évaluer l’association entre les doses d’opioïdes consommées pendant l’HT, le degrée de tremblement, et l’évolution de l’index de discontinuité à l’EEG au fil des 72h de l’HT, du réchauffement et jusqu’à 12 heures post-HT. Pour répondre à l’objectif, nous avons conduit une étude chez 21 nouveau-nés avec EHI soumis à l’HT, et dont les principaux résultats ont montré des associations significatives entre les fortes doses d’opioïdes administrés à l’enfant (r = - 0.493, p = 0.023), les frissons réduits pendant l’HT (r = 0.513, p = 0.017) et l’amélioration du rythme cérébrale d’EEG. Ces résultats sont décrits de manière plus approfondie dans le Chapitre 2 qui présente la version de l’article soumis à la revue Journal of Pediatrics, et le Chapitre 3 qui présente un retour sur la littérature à la lumière de nos trouvailles. Quant au Chapitre 4, nous y élaborons les possibilités de perspectives futures et les retombées cliniques de nos résultats. À long terme, nous espérons que nos travaux permettront l’ouverture d’une nouvelle piste d’amélioration de la neuroprotection, en favorisant systématiquement une meilleure prise en charge de la douleur et du stress induit par le refroidissement. / Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains the leading cause of death and mortality in the term infant. A third of the survivors will develop neurological sequelae including cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy and mental retardation. In order to improve their prognosis, these newborns undergo therapeutic hypothermia (TH), which begins no later than 6 hours after birth, maintained for a total duration of 72 hours and followed by gradual rewarming (0.5°C/h). This neuroprotective therapy has been shown to significantly decrease the extent of brain injury and the frequency of neurological sequelae. Results from animal studies revealed that ongoing hypothermia without proper anesthesia is not beneficial. Based on the observations that have been reported, piglets treated with TH with no analgesics have shown signs of instability and excessive tremors. Until now, the extent to which these results from animal experiments could be generalized to the newborn remained unknown. Thus, the purpose of my master’s project was to better understand the clinical factors that may compromise the beneficial effects of TH, in an attempt to optimize neuroprotection and improve the neurological outcome of HIE infants. Our main objective was to assess the associations between opioid doses consumed during TH, shivering recorded during TH, and the evolution of EEG discontinuity index over the course of TH, rewarming and up to 12 hours post-TH. To meet the objective, we conducted a study in 21 newborns with HIE undergoing TH, and the results have shown significant associations between high doses of opioid administered (r = - 0.493, p = 0.023), reduced shivering stress (r = 0.513, p = 0.017) and improved EEG background activity. The key findings of the study are described in more detail in Chapter 2, which presents the original manuscript submitted for publication to the “Journal of Pediatrics”, and Chapter 3, which presents a review of the literature in light of our results. In Chapter 4, we discuss future perspectives and the clinical significance of our results. At last, we hope that our study will open up new avenues for improving neuroprotection, by systematically promoting a better management of pain and cooling-induced stress.

This study aimed to assess the magnitude, trends and determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in the public health facilities in Addis Ababa. A case-control study design was used along with quantitative data collection methods. Obstetric care data on key variables were collected from medical records of 728 cases and 1551 controls in the public health facilities during July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2015. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24 to determine associations and risk factors against intrapartum stillbirth. HMIS data from different sources were further analysed for the same period to determine trends of stillbirth in the public health facilities of Addis Ababa. Findings from this study showed a staggering high prevalence of stillbirth at an average rate of 28 per 1000 births during the period 2010-2015. This figure was comparable with the population level prevalence of prenatal death in Addis Ababa which was 30 per 1000 birth (Central Statistical Agency 2011:115). No statistically significant associations were revealed against the effects of maternal medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and renal diseases and key socio-demographic variables including age, parity and marital status, and intrapartum stillbirth. On the contrary, HIV and syphilis infections, foetal presentations, multiple pregnancy and the frequency of ANC visits during the index pregnancy had statistically significant associations with intrapartum stillbirth. Furthermore, low FHR, non-vertex foetal presentations and ruptured cervical membrane on admission to labour were among risk factors for intrapartum stillbirth. Similarly, women in the stillbirth group received substandard care regarding the timely assessment of foetal decent, cervical dilatation, labour induction, and episiotomy care compared to women in the livebirth group. Obstetrical complications including obstructed labour, eclampsia and preeclampsia were more common among women in the intrapartum stillbirth group indicating that the above variables were key determinant of intrapartum stillbirth. These findings suggest that poor quality of obstetric care during labour and childbirth were the underlying risk factors for intrapartum stillbirth. In conclusion, strategies to overhaul the obstetric care practices in the public health facilities through skills building, accurate use of labour monitoring tools, close supervisions, accurate classification of stillbirth, proper documentation, and ongoing research efforts. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)