This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia in neonates diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The study focuses on assessing both short-term outcomes after treatment and long-term neurological outcomes following therapeutic hypothermia.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurological impairment, resulting from perinatal hypoxia-ischemia. Therapeutic hypothermia is currently considered a key treatment modality for reducing brain injury and improving outcomes in affected neonates.

This study is designed to:

Develop and standardize technical procedures and indications for therapeutic hypothermia in neonates with HIE Evaluate short-term treatment outcomes following therapeutic hypothermia Assess long-term neurological outcomes after treatment Identify factors associated with treatment outcomes in neonates with HIE

The study will be conducted at the National Children's Hospital, Vietnam, over the period from 2025 to 2028

Inclusion Criteria:

• Neonates diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at the Neonatal Center, National Children's Hospital
• Gestational age ≥ 36 weeks
• Assessed using the modified Sarnat staging within the first 0-6 hours after birth
• Eligible for and/or treated with therapeutic hypothermia according to institutional protocol
• Underwent clinical and paraclinical monitoring during hospitalization
• Received brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the neonatal period (from 5 to 17 days of age)
• Availability of complete medical records for data collection and analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of major congenital anomalies, particularly involving the central nervous system
• Absence of brain MRI during the study period
• Refusal of participation by parent(s) or legal guardian(s)

Individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documents will be available after completion of the study and publication of the main results. Data will be available from 2028 onward, corresponding to the study completion period, for a reasonable time thereafter.

Access to individual participant data and supporting information will be provided to qualified researchers upon reasonable request. Requests will be reviewed by the study investigators and the institutional authority. Data sharing will be subject to ethical approval and applicable regulations, and data will be de-identified to protect participant confidentiality.