Objective  To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen chamber (HBO) in treating neonatal severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at different time points.

  Methods  A total of 103 neonates with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into control group (n=51) and observation group (n=52). Routine treatment was given to all the patients. The observation group was additionally given HBO immediately after admission, and the control group began the therapy at 48 hours after admission. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared.

  Results  After treatment, the neonatal behavioral neurological assessment(NBNA) score in the observation group was significantly higher, malondialdehyde(MDA) level was lower, superoxide dismutase(SOD) was higher, and creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK) levels were lower than that of the control group (P < 0 05).

  Conclusion  Early hyperbaric oxygen chamber for neonates with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is more beneficial to the elimination of oxidative stress.