Germinal Matrix-intraventricular Hemorrhage Research Articles

New insights and potential biomarkers for intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely premature infant, case-control study.

Despite advancements in neonatal care, germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage impacts 20% of very preterm infants, exacerbating their neurological prognosis. Understanding its complex, multifactorial pathophysiology and rapid onset remains challenging. This study aims to link specific cord blood biomolecules at birth with post-natal germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage onset. A monocentric, prospective case-control study was conducted at Rouen University Hospital from 2015 to 2020. Premature newborns ( < 30 gestational age) were included and cord blood was sampled in the delivery room. A retrospective matching procedure was held in 2021 to select samples for proteomic and metabolomic analysis of 370 biomolecules. 26 patients with germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage cases and 60 controls were included. Clinical differences were minimal, except for higher invasive ventilation rates in the germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage group. Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage newborns exhibited lower phosphatidylcholine levels and elevated levels of four proteins: BOC cell adhesion-associated protein, placental growth factor, Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 2, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2. This study identifies biomolecules that may be linked to subsequent germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage, suggesting heightened vascular disruption risk as an independent factor. These results need further validation but could serve as early germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage risk biomarkers for future evaluations. Decrease in certainphosphatidylcholines and increase in four proteins in cord blood at birthmay be linked to subsequent germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhagein premature newborns. The four proteins are BOC cell adhesion-associated protein, placental growth factor, leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 2, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2. This biological imprint could point toward higher vascular disruption risk as an independent risk factor for this complication and with further validations, could be used for better stratification of premature newborns at birth.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitor VP3.15 Ameliorates Neurogenesis, Neuronal Loss and Cognitive Impairment in a Model of Germinal Matrix-intraventricular Hemorrhage of the Preterm Newborn.

Advances in neonatology have significantly reduced mortality rates due to prematurity. However, complications of prematurity have barely changed in recent decades. Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is one of the most severe complications of prematurity, and these children are prone to suffer short- and long-term sequelae, including cerebral palsy, cognitive and motor impairments, or neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, GM-IVH has no successful treatment. VP3.15 is a small, heterocyclic molecule of the 5-imino-1,2,4-thiadiazole family with a dual action as a phosphodiesterase 7 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor. VP3.15 reduces neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in other neurodegenerative disorders and might ameliorate complications associated with GM-IVH. We administered VP3.15 to a mouse model of GM-IVH. VP3.15 reduces the presence of hemorrhages and microglia in the short (P14) and long (P110) term. It ameliorates brain atrophy and ventricle enlargement while limiting tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal and myelin basic protein loss. VP3.15 also improves proliferation and neurogenesis as well as cognition after the insult. Interestingly, plasma gelsolin levels, a feasible biomarker of brain damage, improved after VP3.15 treatment. Altogether, our data support the beneficial effects of VP3.15 in GM-IVH by ameliorating brain neuroinflammatory, vascular and white matter damage, ultimately improving cognitive impairment associated with GM-IVH.

Iron homeostasis and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus: a review.

Iron physiology is regulated by a complex interplay of extracellular transport systems, coordinated transcriptional responses, and iron efflux mechanisms. Dysregulation of iron metabolism can result in defects in myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuronal maturation. In neonates, germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) causes iron overload as a result of blood breakdown in the ventricles and brain parenchyma which can lead to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). However, the precise mechanisms by which GMH-IVH results in PHH remain elusive. Understanding the molecular determinants of iron homeostasis in the developing brain may lead to improved therapies. This manuscript reviews the various roles iron has in brain development, characterizes our understanding of iron transport in the developing brain, and describes potential mechanisms by which iron overload may cause PHH and brain injury. We also review novel preclinical treatments for IVH that specifically target iron. Understanding iron handling within the brain and central nervous system may provide a basis for preventative, targeted treatments for iron-mediated pathogenesis of GMH-IVH and PHH.

Disruption of Cerebellar Granular Layer as a Consequence of Germinal Matrix Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Extreme Prematurity: An Acute Direct Mechanism Too?

Cerebellum is an important brain structure for the future development of motor, cognitive, and behavioral abilities in children. This structure undergoes its most significant growth during the third trimester of pregnancy. Prematurity gathers several risk factors for cerebellar impairment and underdevelopment, and among them is ventricular dilatation following germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH). In this report, we illustrate how this prevalent complication associated with prematurity may induce secondary cerebellar cortical damage. A premature male born by an emergency Caesarean section displayed massive GMH-IVH at brain ultrasound performed after three hours of extrauterine life and died after 18 hours of life, despite maximized vital support. We report a postmortem histopathological specimen of the cerebellar cortex showing the disruption of the external granular layer (EGL) by hemorrhagic content flowing from the supratentorial ventricles into the fourth ventricle and cisterna magna. The expansion of the ventricular system and the presence of blood in the lateral ventricles can cause inflammation and damage to the cerebellar gyri. Experimental models have shown a thinning of the EGL, suggesting that blood surrounding the cerebellum has a harmful action. Additionally, a sudden influx of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles may directly contribute to cerebellar damage, indicating that this may be another way in which the cerebellar gyri are impaired during acute severe GMH-IVH. This is the first histopathologically confirmed case of acute disruption in the cerebellar cortex during a GMH-IVH in a premature baby.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm or low birth weight infants with germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to identify the near- and long-term neurodevelopmental prognoses of preterm or low birth weight (LBW) infants with different severities of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Four databases were searched for observational studies that were qualified using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 37 studies involving 32,370 children were included. Compared to children without IVH, children with mild IVH had higher incidences of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), cerebral palsy (CP), motor/cognitive delay, hearing impairment and visual impairment, as well as lower scores of the mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development (PDI). Moreover, compared to mild IVH, severe IVH increased susceptibilities of children to NDI, motor delay, CP, hearing impairment and visual impairment, with worse performances in MDI, PDI, motor score and IQ. Mild IVH was not associated with seizures or epilepsy. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes positively associated with the occurrence and severity of IVH in preterm or LBW infants, providing evidence for counseling and further decisions regarding early therapeutic interventions. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes later in life were closely associated with the occurrence and severity of IVH in preterm or LBW infants. Our results highlight the importance to make prediction of the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born preterm or LBW with a history of IVH, which will guide affected parents when their children need clinical interventions to reach the full potential. We emphasize the importance of identifying specific developmental delays that may exist in children with IVH, providing detailed information for the development of comprehensive intervention measures.

Three-dimensional cranial ultrasound and functional near-infrared spectroscopy for bedside monitoring of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates

Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) remains a significant cause of adverse neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Current management relies on 2-dimensional cranial ultrasound (2D cUS) ventricular measurements. Reliable biomarkers are needed to aid in the early detection of posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) and subsequent neurodevelopment. In a prospective cohort study, we incorporated 3-dimensional (3D) cUS and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor neonates with GMH-IVH. Preterm neonates (≤ 32 weeks' gestation) were enrolled following a GMH-IVH diagnosis. Neonates underwent sequential measurements: 3D cUS images were manually segmented using in-house software, and the ventricle volumes (VV) were extracted. Multichannel fNIRS data were acquired using a high-density system, and spontaneous functional connectivity (sFC) was calculated. Of the 30 neonates enrolled in the study, 19 (63.3%) had grade I–II and 11 (36.7%) grade III–IV GMH-IVH; of these, 7 neonates (23%) underwent surgical interventions to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In infants with severe GMH-IVH, larger VV were significantly associated with decreased |sFC|. Our findings of increased VV and reduced sFC suggest that regional disruptions of ventricular size may impact the development of the underlying white matter. Hence, 3D cUS and fNIRS are promising bedside tools for monitoring the progression of GMH-IVH in preterm neonates.

Pharmacological Management of Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is among the devastating neurological complications with mortality and neurodevelopmental disability rates ranging from 14.7% to 44.7% in preterm infants. The medical techniques have improved throughout the years, as the morbidity-free survival rate of very-low-birth-weight infants has increased; however, the neonatal and long-term morbidity rates have not significantly improved. To this date, there is no strong evidence on pharmacological management on GM-IVH, due to the limitation of well-designed randomized controlled studies. However, recombinant human erythropoietin administration in preterm infants seems to be the only effective pharmacological management in limited situations. Hence, further high-quality collaborative research studies are warranted in the future to ensure better outcomes among preterm infants with GM-IVH.

Cranial Ultrasound: A Novel Approach of Neuroimaging in Preterm Infants Suffering from Perinatal Birth Injury

Introduction: Preterm birth is a common cause of neonatal mortality with an additional burden of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is caused by different factors that can be either perinatal, natal or postnatal leading to white matter injury/intracranial hemorrhages. These lesions can be readily assessed by cranial ultrasound which provides cost-effective, radiation-free, bedside imaging. Conclusion: Cranial ultrasound is an innovative method to assess brain injury in preterm infants. Ultrasonographic evaluation of preterm brain is recommended as early as possible after birth with interval follow up. Three distinct patterns of brain injury can be seen in preterm infants: Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) and cerebellar hemorrhages. Germinal matrix hemorrhage is found to be most common pattern with cystic PVL being next among three patterns of brain injury. Ultrasound is an operator-dependent technique with poor visualization of few abnormalities on two-dimensional images. The limitation of conventional ultrasonography opens up new aspects of 3 D scanning with better imaging outcomes

Interobserver reliability between pediatric radiologists and residents in ultrasound evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

Germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Timely identification and grading of IVH affect decision-making and clinical outcomes. There is possibility of misinterpretation of the ultrasound appearances, and the interobserver variability has not been investigated between radiology resident and board-certified radiologist. To assess interobserver reliability between senior radiology residents performing bedside cranial ultrasound during on-call hours and pediatric radiologists. From June 2018 to June 2020, neonatal cranial ultrasound examinations were performed in neonatal intensive care unit. Ultrasound findings were recorded by the residents performing the ultrasound and the pediatric attending radiologists. In total, 200 neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 30.9 wk. Interobserver agreement for higher grade (Grade III & IV) IVH was excellent. There was substantial agreement for lower grade (Grade I & II) IVH. There is strong agreement between radiology residents and pediatric radiologists, which is higher for high grade IVHs.

Posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation late intervention threshold and associated brain injury.

ObjectiveTo systematically assess white matter injury (WMI) in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) using a high-threshold intervention strategy.Study designThis retrospective analysis included 85 preterm infants (≤34 weeks of gestation) with grade 2–3 germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage. Cranial ultrasound (cUS) scans were assessed for WMI and ventricular width and shape. Forty-eight infants developed PHVD, 21 of whom (intervention group) underwent cerebrospinal fluid drainage according to a predefined threshold (ventricular index ≥p97+4 mm or anterior horn width >10 mm, and the presence of frontal horn ballooning). The other 27 infants underwent a conservative approach (non-intervention group). The two PHVD groups were compared regarding ventricular width at two stages: the worst cUS for the non-intervention group (scans showing the largest ventricular measurements) versus pre-intervention cUS in the intervention group, and at term equivalent age. WMI was classified as normal/mild, moderate and severe.ResultsThe intervention group showed significantly larger ventricular index, anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital diameter than the non-intervention group at the two timepoints. Moderate and severe WMI were more frequent in the infants with PHVD (p<0.001), regardless of management (intervention or conservative management). There was a linear relationship between the severity of PHVD and WMI (p<0.001).ConclusionsPreterm infants with PHVD who undergo a high-threshold intervention strategy associate an increased risk of WMI.

Caffeine Restores Neuronal Damage and Inflammatory Response in a Model of Intraventricular Hemorrhage of the Preterm Newborn.

Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is the most frequent intracranial hemorrhage in the preterm infant (PT). Long-term GM-IVH-associated sequelae include cerebral palsy, sensory and motor impairment, learning disabilities, or neuropsychiatric disorders. The societal and health burden associated with GM-IVH is worsened by the fact that there is no successful treatment to limit or reduce brain damage and neurodevelopment disabilities. Caffeine (Caf) is a methylxanthine that binds to adenosine receptors, regularly used to treat the apnea of prematurity. While previous studies support the beneficial effects at the brain level of Caf in PT, there are no studies that specifically focus on the role of Caf in GM-IVH. Therefore, to further understand the role of Caf in GM-IVH, we have analyzed two doses of Caf (10 and 20 mg/kg) in a murine model of the disease. We have analyzed the short (P14) and long (P70) effects of the treatment on brain atrophy and neuron wellbeing, including density, curvature, and phospho-tau/total tau ratio. We have analyzed proliferation and neurogenesis, as well as microglia and hemorrhage burdens. We have also assessed the long-term effects of Caf treatment at cognitive level. To induce GM-IVH, we have administered intraventricular collagenase to P7 CD1 mice and have analyzed these animals in the short (P14) and long (P70) term. Caf showed a general neuroprotective effect in our model of GM-IVH of the PT. In our study, Caf administration diminishes brain atrophy and ventricle enlargement. Likewise, Caf limits neuronal damage, including neurite curvature and tau phosphorylation. It also contributes to maintaining neurogenesis in the subventricular zone, a neurogenic niche that is severely affected after GM-IVH. Furthermore, Caf ameliorates small vessel bleeding and inflammation in both the cortex and the subventricular zone. Observed mitigation of brain pathological features commonly associated with GM-IVH also results in a significant improvement of learning and memory abilities in the long term. Altogether, our data support the promising effects of Caf to reduce central nervous system complications associated with GM-IVH.

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy blood flow monitoring for intraventricular hemorrhage vulnerability in extremely low gestational age newborns

In premature infants with an extremely low gestational age (ELGA, < 29 weeks GA), dysregulated changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) are among the major pathogenic factors leading to germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH). Continuous monitoring of CBF can guide interventions to minimize the risk of brain injury, but there are no clinically standard techniques or tools for its measurement. We report the feasibility of the continuous monitoring of CBF, including measures of autoregulation, via diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) in ELGA infants using CBF variability and correlation with scalp blood flow (SBF, served as a surrogate measure of systemic perturbations). In nineteen ELGA infants (with 9 cases of GM/IVH) monitored for 6–24 h between days 2–5 of life, we found a strong correlation between CBF and SBF in severe IVH (Grade III or IV) and IVH diagnosed within 72 h of life, while CBF variability alone was not associated with IVH. The proposed method is potentially useful at the bedside for the prompt assessment of cerebral autoregulation and early identification of infants vulnerable to GM/IVH.

Association of early cerebral oxygen saturation and brain injury in extremely preterm infants.

To assess the association between cerebral saturation (crSO2) using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and brain injury in extremely preterm infants. This retrospective study includes 62 infants (<28 weeks gestation) who underwent continuous NIRS monitoring in the first 5 days after birth. Median crSO2 were compared in 12 h increments between infants with and without germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH). crSO2 was also compared by IVH severity, onset, and by grade of injury on term equivalent MRI. After 48 h of life (HOL), infants with GM/IVH had significantly lower crSO2 than those without GM/IVH in analysis adjusted for potential confounding e.g., at 49-60 HOL (69.5 (66.2, 72.8) vs. 74.7 (71.8, 77.6), p = 0.023). There were no significant differences in crSO2 by IVH subcategory or injury severity on MRI. Clinical use of NIRS has the potential to identify crSO2 patterns associated with development of GM/IVH.

Pericyte dynamics in the mouse germinal matrix angiogenesis

Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is the most devastating neurological complication in premature infants. GM-IVH usually begins in the GM, a highly vascularized region of the developing brain where glial and neuronal precursors reside underneath the lateral ventricular ependyma. Previous studies using human fetal tissue have suggested increased angiogenesis and paucity of pericytes as key factors contributing to GM-IVH pathogenesis. Yet, despite its relevance, the mechanisms underlying the GM vasculature's susceptibility to hemorrhage remain poorly understood. To gain better understanding on the vascular dynamics of the GM, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the mouse GM vascular endothelium and pericytes during development. We hypothesize that vascular development of the mouse GM will provide a good model for studies of human GM vascularization and provide insights into the role of pericytes in GM-IVH pathogenesis. Our findings show that the mouse GM presents significantly greater vascular area and vascular branching compared to the developing cortex (CTX). Analysis of pericyte coverage showed abundance in PDGFRβ-positive and NG2-positive pericyte coverage in the GM similar to the developing CTX. However, we found a paucity in Desmin-positive pericyte coverage of the GM vasculature. Our results underscore the highly angiogenic nature of the GM and reveal that pericytes in the developing mouse GM exhibit distinct phenotypical and likely functional characteristics compared to other brain regions which might contribute to the high susceptibility of the GM vasculature to hemorrhage.

Pathogenesis and prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage

Despite improvements in the mortality rates of preterm infants, rates of germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) have remained static with an overall incidence of 25% in infants less than 32 weeks. The importance of the lesion relates primarily to the underlying injury to the developing brain and the associated long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. This clinical-orientated review focuses on the pathogenesis of IVH and discusses the evidence behind proposed prevention strategies.

Characterization of germinal matrix hemorrhage in extremely premature infants: recognition of posterior location and diagnostic pitfalls.

Traditionally, descriptions of germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH), derived from observations in preterm and very preterm infants, indicate its location at the caudothalamic grooves. However, before the germinal matrix begins to recede at approximately 28weeks' gestational age (GA), it extends along the floor of the lateral ventricles far posterior to the caudothalamic grooves. Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) can occur along any site from which the germinal matrix has not yet involuted. Therefore, as current advances in neonatology have allowed the routine survival of extremely preterm infants as young as 23weeks' GA, postnatal GMH-IVH can occur in previously undescribed locations. Hemorrhage in the more posterior GMH on head ultrasound, if unrecognized, may lead to errors in diagnosis and mislocalization of this injury to the periventricular white matter or lateral walls of the lateral ventricles instead of to the subependyma, where it is in fact located. Our aim is to describe posterior GMH in extremely premature infants, including its characteristic imaging appearance and potential pitfalls in diagnosis. Over a 5-year period, all consecutive extremely preterm infants of 27weeks' GA or less who developed GMH-IVH of any grade were included. A consecutive group of 100 very preterm infants of 31weeks' GA with a GMH-IVH of any grade served as controls. In 106 extremely preterm neonates (mean GA: 25weeks, range: 23.1-26.6weeks) with 212 potential lateral ventricular germinal matrix bleeding sites, 159 sites had bleeds. In 70/159 (44%), the GMH-IVH was located posterior to the caudothalamic grooves and the foramina of Monro, 52 (32.7%) were both anterior and posterior and 21 (13.2%) were exclusively anterior. In 16 ventricles with intraventricular hemorrhage, an origin site in the germinal matrix could not be determined. In the control population of very preterm infants, all hemorrhages were at the anterior caudothalamic grooves and 95% were grade I. Unlike the older very preterm and moderately preterm infants that form the basis of our GMH-IVH description and classification, the extremely preterm infants now routinely surviving have a more fetal pattern of germinal matrix distribution, which is reflected in a different distribution and size of germinal matrix injury. We report the postnatal occurrence of subependymal GMH-IVH in extremely preterm infants in these more primitive, posterior locations, its potential imaging pitfalls and sonographic findings.

Neonatal stroke in premature neonates

There are many neuro-imaging studies on the presence of brain lesions in the preterm infant, using cranial ultrasound (cUS) and/or term equivalent age MRI (TEA-MRI). These studies however tend to focus on germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) and white matter injury. Data about perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) or cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) in the preterm infant are very limited. In fact, several large cohort studies on neuro-imaging in preterm infants do not even mention neonatal stroke.1-4 Most studies about PAIS exclude preterm infants.5 The aim of this review was to provide an update on neonatal stroke in the preterm infant, with a focus on neuro-imaging findings.

The role of the brain-sparing effect of growth-restricted fetuses in newborn germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the brain-sparing effect (BSE) of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in newborn germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH). A total of 320 patients who delivered prior to the 34th gestational week were analyzed from data records. 201 patients were divided into two groups according to cerebro-placental ratio (CPR): early fetal growth restriction (FGR) with abnormal CPR group (n=104) and appropriate for gestational age with normal Doppler group (control) (n=97). Using the normal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler as a reference, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the BSE and the primary outcome. The rate of Grade I-II germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH) was 31(29.8%) in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR and 7(7.2%) in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference. The rate of grade III-IV GM/IVH was 7(6.7%) in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR and 2 (2.1%) in the control group, showing no statistically significant difference. We found that gestational age at delivery <32weeks was an independent risk factor for GM/IVH. In addition, we found that other variables such as the presence of preeclampsia, fetal weight percentile <10, emergency CS delivery, 48-h completion after the first steroid administration and 24-h completion rate after MgSO4 administration were not independently associated with the primary outcome. Our results indicate that the rate of GM-IVH was increased in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR; however, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BSE was not an independent risk factor for GM/IVH.

Neuroimaging of the Preterm Brain: Review and Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendations for “Routine neuroimaging of the preterm brain” focuses on cranial ultrasound (cUS) screening, initially for the diagnosis of germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) and subsequently for detection of brain injury for preterm infants within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).1 The report does not recommend routine use of MRI, but offers evidence-based indications for each modality and discusses offering MRI to high-risk infants at term equivalent age (TEA) after a conversation with the family concerning the ability of this imaging modality to predict long-term prognosis.

Evaluating the Effect of a Neonatal Care Bundle for the Prevention of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants.

Germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) remains a severe and common complication in preterm infants. A neonatal care bundle (NCB) was implemented as an in-house guideline at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit to reduce the incidence of IVH in preterm infants. The NCB was applied either to preterm infants <1250 g birth weight or <30 weeks gestational age or both, and standardized patient positioning, nursing care, and medical procedures within the first week of life. A retrospective cohort study was performed to investigate the effect of the NCB and other known risk factors on the occurrence and severity of IVH. Data from 229 preterm infants were analyzed. The rate of IVH was 26.2% before and 27.1% after implementing the NCB. The NCB was associated neither with reducing the overall rate of IVH (odds ratio (OR) 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–1.84; p = 0.94) nor with severe IVH (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.67–1.55; p = 0.92). After adjustment for group differences and other influencing factors, amnion infection syndrome and early intubation were associated with an increased risk for IVH. An NCB focusing on patient positioning, nursing care, and medical interventions had no impact on IVH in preterm infants. Known risk factors for IVH were confirmed.