To compare the survival rate and improvement in stage of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at day 7 of treatment in neonates treated with versus without melatonin in addition to standard supportive therapy.

This is a randomized control trial and the purpose of this study is to determine efficacy of melatonin in management of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in newborns. Baseline characteristics will be documented after which patients will be divided into two groups by paper lottery method namely group A in which newborns will be given single 10mg dose of melatonin through nasogastric tube in addition to standard supportive therapy and group B in which patients will be given standard supportive therapy only.

Inclusion criteria:

All term infants (as per operational definition). Both genders. Presenting with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (as per operational definition).

Exclusion criteria:

Drug reactions. Newborns at gestational age < 36 weeks. Neonates whose mother received general anesthesia. Neonates with congenital malformations. Neonates whose mother received anticonvulsants. Neonates not fulfilling criteria for HIE. Neonatal sepsis, pneumonia or in-born error of metabolism.

Due to confidentiality