PREVENTING BRAIN DAMAGE IN PREMATURE NEWBORNS: CONTROVERSIES AND THERAPIES

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159552515017

• Palavras-chave: Brain injury, Premature infants, Treatment, Neuroprotective therapies.

• Keywords: Brain injury, Premature infants, Treatment, Neuroprotective therapies.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To evaluate the available evidence on preventive strategies and potential therapies for brain injuries in preterm infants, discussing their limitations, controversies and impacts on long-term neurological development. Methodology: Narrative bibliographic review carried out on PubMed using the search strategy: (brain injury) AND (preterm infant) AND (therapies). We used 15 articles selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 2019 to 2024. Discussion: Although postpartum mortality in premature infants has decreased, preterm neonates still face high rates of neurological impairment, such as intraventricular hemorrhage and white matter damage. Recent studies highlight promising therapies, including the use of umbilical cord-derived stem cells, which have the potential to regenerate damaged neural tissue. In addition, erythropoietin (Epo) has been investigated for its neuroprotective properties, such as preventing apoptosis and promoting neurogenesis, and may help with functional recovery after skin injuries. Melatonin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is also considered a potential therapy to promote functional recovery after brain injury. However, these approaches still require further clinical validation to be widely innovated in medical practice. Final considerations: These therapeutic alternatives, although promising as neuroprotective strategies, lack robust evidence. Currently, only clinical treatment adjustments for infants are widely accepted by consensus. Therefore, further clinical investigation of these studies is crucial so that they can be implemented in practice, considering their great importance in preventing injuries in premature newborns.