A trial to determine if cooling newborn infants at risk of brain damage improves outcome

This study is testing whether cooling newborn babies who may have brain damage from lack of oxygen during birth can improve their outcomes. When a baby doesn't get enough oxygen around the time of birth, the brain can be injured. Researchers believe that lowering the baby's body temperature shortly after birth may help protect the brain and lead to better long-term health. You may be eligible if: - The baby was born at 35 weeks of pregnancy or later - The baby can be treated at or transported to one of the study sites - The baby shows signs of moderate or severe brain injury (encephalopathy) - There is evidence of oxygen deprivation during labour, such as: an Apgar score of 5 or less at 10 minutes, need for breathing support at 10 minutes, or very low blood acid levels within 60 minutes of birth You may NOT be eligible if: - Cooling cannot begin within 6 hours of birth - Birth weight is less than 2.0 kg - The baby has a major birth defect (such as chromosomal problems, heart or lung abnormalities, or bleeding disorders) - The baby needs more than 80% oxygen to breathe - The baby is in extremely critical condition with severe low blood pressure or acid levels not responding to treatment - Cooling has already been started before the study begins Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.