The neurobehavioral outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage at corrected age of 24–36 months

Abstract

Objectives: A proper neurobehavioral development is important for acquiring the skills of a healthy and productive life. Determining intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) impact on different aspects of development may help in mitigation, and probably, prevention of the developmental delays. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the developmental quotients (DQ) of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, who experienced IVH during neonatal period, at 24–36 months of their corrected age, using Gesell schedules of child development. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between the severity, extent and sidedness of IVH, and total DQ, its subdomains, and common neurological and non-neurological comorbidities. Results: The study included 54 patients (36 males and 18 females). Bilateral IVH was more common in females, who exhibited also a trend toward left-sided IVH. Patient's sex, birth-weight, and gestational age, however, have not shown significant associations with the total DQ, or its subdomains. Severe IVH was significantly associated with both cerebral palsy, and reduction in total DQ, but not in its personal-social subdomain. Left-sided IVH was associated with a significant reduction in total DQ, but right-sidedness showed no such association. Periventricular leukomalacia was significantly associated with reduction in total DQ and in its personal-social subdomain. No significant associations were detected in patients with the non-neurological comorbidities. Conclusions: VLBW infants with left-sided, bilateral or severe IVH are at higher risk of worse neurobehavioral outcomes at 24–36 months of age. Non-neurological comorbidities seem to have little impact on the DQ and its subdomains assessed at this age.