Equine Neonatal Encephalopathy: Facts, Evidence, and Opinions.

The article discusses the theories and facts about Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) and Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) – neurological conditions observed in newborn foals. It explores suspected causes, including changes in brain cell function due to endocrine and paracrine factors and abnormal steroid concentrations, and suggests potential treatments. However, further research is needed to resolve disagreements about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NE and NMS.

Understanding Neonatal Encephalopathy and Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome

• Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) and Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) are non-infectious neurological disorders that affect newborn foals, triggering symptoms almost immediately after birth.
• Causes are thought to include cerebral ischemia – a condition that restricts blood flow to the brain, hypoxia – a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the brain tissues, and inflammation that leads to neuronal and glial dysfunction and excitotoxicity – a process in which neurons are damaged and killed by the overactivation of receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Endocrine and Paracrine Factors Impact on Brain Cell Function

• The research draws attention to the role of endocrine and paracrine factors – different hormonal system regulators – that can modify or disrupt normal brain cell function.
• This article emphasizes that there are abnormal concentrations of steroids, specifically progestogens and neurosteroids, in foals that are critically ill and those with NE.

Treatment Considerations and the Need for Further Studies

• Regarding treatment, the article notes that while supportive care (symptom management) is essential, the use of antimicrobials – drugs that combat microorganisms such as bacteria – should be considered.
• However, the article acknowledges that there is controversy about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NE and NMS. Clearer understanding and consensus will only come after conducting controlled mechanistic and therapeutic studies to explore these disorders in more detail.