Cooling in Mild Encephalopathy

Whole-body hypothermia (33.5±0.5°C) initiated within 6 hours of birth and continued for 72 hours. The rectal temperature will be maintained at 33.5±0.5°C using a servo-controlled cooling machine.

The axillary temperature will be maintained at 37±0.5°C for the first 80 hours and any hyperthermia will be treated with a standardised protocol.

Neonatal intensive care monitoring and support including ventilatory and inotropic support as clinically indicated

The assessment will be carried out using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development IV. In addition, all infants will have a detailed neurological examination, including Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for cerebral palsy, vision, and hearing assessment. Babies who die or who cannot be assessed with the Bayley-IV due to severe disability will be allocated a Cognitive Scale Composite score one point below the basal test score. PARCA-R will be completed by the parents immediately.