Lay summary
Newborns affected by lack of oxygen during birth are at high risk of developing hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury and can suffer from lifelong neurodevelopmental disabilities. Current treatments, effective only if started within six hours, lack reliable biomarkers for predicting injury timing. New Zealand’s routine use of brain cooling therapy reduces severe disabilities like cerebral palsy, but timely diagnosis within the critical six-hour window remains a challenge. This project aims to develop advanced AI-technology to identify phase-specific EEG biomarkers and determine exact timing for early diagnosis and treatment. The project will leverage extensive pre-clinical and clinical data to develop cost-effective, bedside monitoring tools, enhancing early intervention strategies and reducing long-term neurological damage. By focusing on both term and preterm infants, the research holds strong promise to improve treatment efficacy and expand therapeutic options. The project’s wealth of expertise and international collaboration will drive the validation of the technology, advancing neonatal care.