Approach to perinatal asphyxia in porcine neonates: a review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29059/cvpa.v3i2.41Keywords:
asphyxia, neonate, treatment, vitalityAbstract
Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in piglets, affecting their vitality, growth, and survival during the first hours of life. This disorder originates from impaired gas exchange between the mother and fetus during parturition, leading to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and metabolic acidosis, with significant tissue and functional consequences. In polytocal species such as pigs, piglets born in the later stages of labor are the most prone to hypoxia due to the increased duration of labor, umbilical cord compression, and the progressive decrease in uterine blood flow. Hypoxia triggers a complex cascade of pathophysiological events that primarily affect the central nervous system, potentially leading to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This condition is characterized by energy depletion, intracellular calcium accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis. Affected piglets exhibit low vitality, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and delayed suckling, which reduces colostrum intake and increases vulnerability to infections and pre-weaning mortality.
Assessing vitality using physiological and behavioral parameters is a useful tool for identifying the degree of neonatal asphyxia. Among the most promising therapeutic strategies for preventing and reversing the physiological and metabolic alterations and brain damage resulting from perinatal asphyxia are oxygen therapy, the use of respiratory stimulants, and the administration of compounds with antioxidant and metabolic activity. However, it is essential to continue preclinical studies that further elucidate the mechanisms of action of these therapies and ensure a better quality of life for affected newborns.
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