Background Perinatal asphyxia and resulting hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a major
cause of death and long-term disability in term born neonates. Up to 20,000 infants each
year are affected by HIE in Europe and even more in regions with lower level of perinatal
care. The only established therapy to improve outcome in these infants is therapeutic
hypothermia. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the production of
oxygen radicals as superoxide, which contributes to secondary energy failure and apoptosis …

Background: Perinatal asphyxia and resulting hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a major
cause of death and longterm disability in term born neonates. Up to 20,000 infants each year
are affected by HIE in Europe and even more in regions with lower level of perinatal care.
The only established therapy to improve outcome in these infants is therapeutic
hypothermia. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the production of
oxygen radicals as superoxide, which contributes to secondary energy failure and apoptosis …