Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Expands Neurocritical NICU Care with Advanced Monitoring and Research

Event summary

  • Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has integrated neurocritical care into its Level IV NICU since 2013, one of only eight centers nationwide with this expertise.
  • CHLA uses continuous video EEG and aEEG monitoring to detect subclinical seizures in newborns, reviewed 24/7 by pediatric neurocritical care specialists.
  • CHLA is participating in the COOL Prime study, enrolling 400 infants to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes of cooling therapy for mild HIE.
  • CHLA conducts prenatal imaging and fetoscopic interventions through its Fetal-Maternal Center to address neurologic conditions before birth.

The big picture

CHLA’s leadership in neurocritical NICU care positions it as a regional and national leader in pediatric neurology. The hospital’s focus on early detection, continuous monitoring, and long-term follow-up aligns with broader industry trends toward proactive, integrated care models. With participation in multicenter trials and advanced prenatal interventions, CHLA is setting a benchmark for specialized neonatal care.

What we're watching

Clinical Trial Outcomes
Whether the COOL Prime study will provide definitive evidence on the efficacy of cooling therapy for mild HIE, influencing future treatment protocols.
Early Intervention Impact
The long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants identified at high risk for cerebral palsy through early assessments in the NICU.
Prenatal Care Expansion
The pace at which CHLA’s prenatal diagnostic and fetoscopic intervention capabilities will be adopted by other leading pediatric hospitals.