Risk factors of newborns with periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: Periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage (PV/IVH) is the most common type of intracranial hemorrhage in the neonatal period. PV/IVH may cause significant neurodevelopmental problems for preterms, even it can be fatal. Low-birth weight and gestational age are the most important risk factors.

Methods: In this study, predisposing risk factors were investigated by bedside cranial ultrasonography in 24 patients with PV/IVH in our neonatal intensive care unit retrospectively.

Results: Predisposing risk factors were determined as need for ventilator therapy (87.5%), 5th minute Apgar score <7 (83.3%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS, 79.1%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 66.6%), early neonatal sepsis (66.6%), nonuse of antenatal steroids (54.1%), asphyxia (33.3%), thrombocytopenia (25%), early rupture of membranes (25%) and intrauterine growth retardation (25%). Seven (29.2%) infants died during neonatal period, while 71.4% of them were <= 1500 g and 85.7% were <= 32GWs.

Conclusion: Low gestational age (<= 32GWs) and birth weight (<= 1500 g), nonuse of antenatal steroids, low Apgar score, RDS, PDA, sepsis and need for ventilator therapy are important risk factors for PV/IVH. The newborns having predisposing risk factors should be evaluated by cranial US and infants diagnosed with intracranial bleeding should be closely monitoring.