2023-07-03 14:58:06
New Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Brain Damage in Newborns
Bonn, Germany – Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen at birth is a leading cause of death among newborns worldwide. However, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) may have found a breakthrough in treating this condition. In a recent study, they tested 25 different active ingredients and found that seven substances were more effective than the standard therapy of artificial cooling.
For years, therapeutic hypothermia has been the go-to treatment for countering the effects of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation at birth. This cooling therapy involves lowering the body temperature of newborns to around 33°C for several days and gradually increasing it again. This process allows the brain to regenerate and increases the chances of survival while reducing the risk of long-term effects.
However, therapeutic hypothermia is not effective for all children, especially those in developing countries. Approximately 40 percent of children treated with this therapy do not benefit from it, and the success rate is even lower in developing countries due to worse conditions and unnoticed infections among newborns. This has created an urgent need for alternative treatments.
To address this issue, Professor Hemmen Sabir and his research team decided to test a range of active ingredients under identical conditions. They identified 25 promising substances based on studies conducted by other research groups and tested them on laboratory rats in conditions of oxygen deficiency. The animals were treated for up to six days, with some substances administered shortly before or during birth to mimic the conditions in humans.
After seven days, the animals’ brains were examined for damage. The researchers found that caffeine was the most effective substance, resulting in the lowest loss of brain matter compared to cold therapy. Caffeine is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, and this study showed that it is also highly neuroprotective. Additionally, six other active ingredients, including melatonin and allopurinol, outperformed the standard therapy.
The advantage of drug treatment over therapeutic hypothermia is that it does not require complex medical equipment, making it more suitable for developing countries. Furthermore, if caffeine proves to be the ideal drug, it is readily available and inexpensive. However, further studies in animal models are necessary before testing on humans can begin. The researchers are collaborating with international partners to examine the mode of action of the various substances and identify the best possible active ingredient or combinations. If these laboratory studies yield positive results, human clinical trials could be conducted in the near future.
The study, which was sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, offers hope for newborns at risk of brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. The potential of these new treatment options could save countless lives and improve the quality of life for survivors.]
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