Therapeutic hypothermia: treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the NICU.

Baby M was born limp, blue, and without respiratory effort at 38 weeks gestation to a 38-year-old, gravida 5, para 1, woman. Delivery was vaginal after a rapid progression of labor leaving no opportunity for a cesarean section. No other complications were noted during labor but a large surge at delivery, later diagnosed as uterine rupture, initially raised concerns about placental abruption.