OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether postnatal allopurinol would reduce free 
radical induced reperfusion/reoxygenation injury of the brain in severely 
asphyxiated neonates.
METHOD: In an interim analysis of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled 
study, 32 severely asphyxiated infants were given allopurinol or a vehicle 
within four hours of birth.
RESULTS: The analysis showed an unaltered (high) mortality and morbidity in the 
infants treated with allopurinol.
CONCLUSION: Allopurinol treatment started postnatally was too late to reduce the 
early reperfusion induced free radical surge. Allopurinol administration to the 
fetus with (imminent) hypoxia via the mother during labour may be more effective 
in reducing free radical induced post-asphyxial brain damage.