Risk Factors For Intraventricular Hemorrhage Research Articles

Evaluation of a Cranial Ultrasound Screening Protocol for Very Preterm Infants.

Cranial ultrasound (cUS) screening is recommended for preterm neonates born before 32 weeks' gestational age (GA). The primary aim of this study was to determine if both a day 3 and day 8 cUS screening examination is necessary for all neonates. A retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary-level Australian hospital. Frequencies of cranial ultrasound abnormality (CUA) were compared between routine screening performed at postnatal days 3, 8, and 42. Univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was performed using logistic regression. cUS examinations on 712 neonates born before 32 weeks' GA were included. Neonates were divided into 2 groups: 99 neonates in the 23-25 weeks 6 days GA (group A) and 613 neonates in the 26-31 weeks 6 days GA (group B). All CUA occurred more frequently in group A neonates and in the subset of group B neonates who had defined risk factors. Low-risk group B neonates had lower incidence of CUAs demonstrated on day 8 cUS than high-risk group B neonates, with no significant differences between day 3 and day 8. Logistic regression analysis identified a number of risk factors (vaginal delivery, small for GA, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, intubation, patent ductus arteriosus and infection) that were associated with increased frequency of IVH on day 8. In neonates born between 30 and 31 weeks 6 days GA, 35% had a CUA identified. Low-risk preterm neonates born between 26 and 31 weeks 6 days GA, without complications, could be screened with a single early cUS examination around day 8 without missing substantial abnormality.

Characterization of laboratory coagulation parameters and risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely premature neonates

BackgroundExtremely premature neonates have increased risk for bleeding, perhaps the most devastating version of which being intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Limited data are available for coagulation parameters in this vulnerable population. ObjectivesWe conducted a prospective cohort study characterizing coagulation laboratory parameters in extremely premature neonates 23–30 weeks gestational age (GA) and determined coagulation parameters and clinical risk factors associated with IVH. Patients/MethodsOne hundred twenty neonates 23–30 weeks GA were enrolled, and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained and processed at the time of birth. Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and activity assays for factors II, VII, IX, X, XIII, and XIII subunit A antigen were performed by standard methods. Clinical risk factors were analyzed for association with IVH. ResultsOf the enrolled neonates, 29 (24.2%) experienced IVH. Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) independently predicted IVH risk with odds ratio (OR) 5.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–24.3), P = .0338; and chronic lung disease (CLD) approached significance with OR 2.3 (95% CI 0.9–5.5), P = .0659. Coagulation parameters were evaluated for association with IVH, and there was no significant difference among coagulation tests in neonates with or without IVH or per GA. Reduced factor XIII subunit A showed significant association with death, P = .003. ConclusionsWe present a large, prospective study of laboratory coagulation parameters in extremely premature neonates, including factor X, factor XIII, and factor XIII subunit A not previously described in this population. These findings may impact clinical practice and should encourage additional study in this vulnerable population.

Delivery Mode and Neurological Complications in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

The risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia is associated with low birth weight and gestational age. Caesarean section (CS) may reduce the risk of IVH, although it has been a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the mode of delivery (MOD) on the development of IVH and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL). We analyzed an initial cohort of 11,023 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants born between January 2010 and December 2019. Infants with major malformations and gestational age <23 weeks and ≥32 weeks were excluded. A final cohort of 8,251 newborns was analyzed. Data was collected from Portuguese National very low birth weight registry. Cases were classified as vaginal delivery (VD) or CS. Outcome was assessed in univariate and logistic regression analyses. The median gestational age was 29 weeks (IQR 3.3) and the median weight was 1,100 g (IQR 555). The prevalence of IVH was significantly higher in the VD group versus the CS group, across all grading levels:1,144 newborns had grade I IVH (16% VD vs. 14% CS, p <0.01), 706 had grade II IVH (12% VD vs. 7.6% CS, p <0.01), and 777 had grade III IVH (14% VD vs. 7.9% CS, p <0.01). Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation occurred in 457 newborns (8.3% VD vs. 4.6% CS, p <0.01) and 456 newborns had periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (8.4% VD vs. 4.5% CS, p <0.01). There was no association between MOD and cPVL. After applying a logistic regression analysis, including known risk factors for IVH and cPVL, VD was independently associated with an increased risk of IVH (odds ratio [OR] 1.600[1.423-1.799], p <0.001) and its complications (OR 1.440[1.195-1.735], p <0.001). MOD was not associated with an increased risk of cPVL. Our study suggests that CS is associated with a reduced risk of IVH and its complications in preterm VLBW infants < 32 weeks of gestational age. A CS should be considered in this group of infants to prevent the development of IVH and its complications. · IVH and cPVL are risk factors for neurological disabilities.. · CS may decrease the risk of IVH in preterms <32 weeks GA.. · There is no association between the MOD and cPVL..

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.

Reversal of blood flow in deep cerebral vein in preterm intraventricular hemorrhage: two case reports

BackgroundIntraventricular hemorrhage during the early stage is a major complication in very low birth weight infants. Elevation of venous pressure is one of the contributing factors. The internal cerebral vein receives most of the venous flow from the subependymal germinal matrix, the most common site of origin of intraventricular hemorrhage. Recently, it has been reported that pulsatile or partially interrupted internal cerebral vein waveforms might also be risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants. Here, we report two cases of partially reversed internal cerebral vein flow with intraventricular hemorrhage. There are no published reports documenting this unique flow pattern.Case presentationBetween 2013 and 2020, we had in our neonatal intensive care unit two cases of very low birth weight infants (27 and 25 weeks of gestational age) who showed a partially reversed internal cerebral vein waveform pattern, which was recognized as a new blood flow pattern. Their internal cerebral vein flow patterns were continuously flat early after birth. They showed an intraventricular hemorrhage on the unilateral side with partially interrupted internal cerebral vein flow at 31 and 41 hours after birth (27- and 25-week-old neonates, respectively). Consecutively, their internal cerebral vein flow changed to a partially reversed pattern with intraventricular hemorrhage on the contralateral side at 43 and 87 hours after birth (27- and 25-week-old neonates, respectively). Their flow patterns improved by day 7. These partially reversed patterns were equivalent to triphasic venous flow, and the reverse flow corresponded to A- and V-waves.ConclusionIn the two cases, the internal cerebral vein flow patterns were normal and flat before intraventricular hemorrhage and changed to a severe flow pattern (partially interrupted or reversed flow) at the same time as the detection of intraventricular hemorrhage. After the development of intraventricular hemorrhage, they improved. These cases indicate that a partially reversed or interrupted internal cerebral vein flow pattern may be derived from central venous pressure elevation and related to intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants, however, it is difficult to determine when this flow pattern occurs in relation to intraventricular hemorrhage.

Effect of Transfusion on the Extension of IVH in Preterm Neonates

Background: Today, preterm birth is well known as the major risk factor for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). In the first week of life, some preterm infants may have grade 1 IVH extending to severe (grade 3 or 4) IVH by transfusion one or more units. Several previous studies have found that blood and blood product transfusions lead to adverse clinical outcomes in neonates. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and extension of IVH in preterm infants.Methods: For the purposes of the study, an observational retrospective case-control design was utilized. Moreover, all the neonates with grade 1 IVH in our referral hospital were identified in the past 5 years. Afterward, the subjects with extended IVH were compared with those who had resolved IVH.Results: In total, 1050, 36, and 24 neonates were diagnosed with grade 1, grade 3, and grade 4 IVH, respectively. The mean values of the birth weight of extended IVH and resolved IVH groups were 1285±615 g and 1361±348 g, respectively (P=0.05). Moreover, extended IVH and resolved IVH groups were 29±3 weeks and 30±2 weeks premature, respectively (P=0.36). The low 5-minute Apgar scores of the extended IVH and resolved IVH groups were 5±2 and 7±2, respectively (P=0.000). In addition, the low cord pH of the extended IVH and resolved IVH groups were 7.29±0.1 and 7.37±0.1, respectively (P=0.005). Administration of packed RBC transfusion before and on the day of the diagnosis of grade 1 IVH had the most significant relationship with the extension of IVH (IR, 10.602; 95% CI, 2.81-39.92). The obtained results confirmed that criteria to order the transfusions were similar in both groups, based on which they did not have any proportion of the transfusions of compliance with the guidelines.Conclusion: Based on the results, there was a great association between restrictive RBC transfusion and extension of a low-grade IVH into a higher grade (3 or 4) IVH. However, the statistical explanation is unclear and more studies are needed to discover the causality of this relationship.

Racial Segregation and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) disproportionately affects black neonates. Other conditions that are more common in black neonates, including low birth weight and preterm delivery, have been linked with residential racial segregation (RRS). In this study, we investigated the association between RRS and IVH. A retrospective cohort of neonates born between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation was constructed by using birth certificates linked to medical records from California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania between 1995 and 2009. Dissimilarity, a measure of RRS indicating the proportion of minorities in the census tract of the mother in comparison to the larger metropolitan area, was linked to patient data, yielding a cohort of 70 775 infants. Propensity score analysis matched infants born to mothers living in high segregation to those living in less segregated areas on the basis of race, sociodemographic factors, and medical comorbidities to compare the risk of developing IVH. Infants born to mothers in the most segregated quartile had a greater risk of developing IVH compared with those in the lowest quartile (12.9% vs 10.4%; P < .001). In 17 918 pairs matched on propensity scores, the risk of developing IVH was greater in the group exposed to a segregated environment (risk ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.15). This effect was stronger for black infants alone (risk ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.30). RRS is associated with an increased risk of IVH in preterm neonates, but the effect size varies by race. This association persists after balancing for community factors and birth weight, representing a novel risk factor for IVH.

Risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundIntraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of premature (<32 weeks) deliveries, especially in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; <1500 g) neonates. Infants developing severe IVH are more prone to long-term developmental disabilities. Although 62%–79% of women in Saudi Arabia receive antenatal steroids, IVH incidence remains high. We analyzed the risk factors for IVH in preterm VLBW neonates in the central region of Saudi Arabia.MethodsWe included premature infants with IVH (n = 108) and gestational age- and birth weight-matched control group infants (n = 108) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Cases were divided into mild (grades I and II; n = 56) and severe (grades III and IV; n = 52) IVH groups. Association of IVH with risk factors in the first week of life was investigated.ResultsThe following risk factors were associated with severe IVH: lack of antenatal steroid administration (P < .001), pulmonary hemorrhage (P = .023), inotrope use (P = .032), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (P = .001), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (P = .005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following to be significant: lack of antenatal dexamethasone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.219, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.087–0.546), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (aOR: 3.519, 95% CI 1.204–10.281), and PDA (aOR: 2.718, 95% CI 1.024–7.210). Low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was significantly associated with severe IVH (all P < .01).ConclusionsFailure to receive antenatal dexamethasone, PDA, hydrocortisone administration for neonatal hypotension, and low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was associated with severe IVH in VLBW neonates. Clinicians and healthcare policy makers should consider these factors during decision-making.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Risk Factors and Association With Patent Ductus Arteriosus Treatment in Extremely Preterm Neonates.

Objectives: To assess maternal and neonatal risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). To examine the association of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and its treatment, with IVH and its severity.Study design: In this retrospective cohort study, we included preterm neonates born at <29 weeks, admitted to a tertiary level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Calgary, Canada, between 2013 and 2016, who had a head ultrasound in the first 7 days of life. A subset analysis included neonates who also had cardiac ultrasound in the first 3 days of life.Results: Of the 495 neonates, 121 (24.4%) had IVH of any grade and 48 (9.7%) had severe IVH. Identified risk factors were small birth gestation and weight, lack of antenatal corticosteroids, maternal chorioamnionitis, Apgar score <5 at 5 min, umbilical cord pH < 7, respiratory distress syndrome, early onset sepsis, hypercapnia, pCO2 fluctuations, prolonged intubation, inhaled nitric oxide, inotropes or normal saline boluses, metabolic derangements, opioids infusions, and bicarbonate/THAM therapy. In a primary analysis of the total cohort, when the decision to treat a PDA was used as a surrogate marker of its clinical significance, a PDA requiring treatment was associated with a higher risk of IVH. There was no significant difference in the incidence of IVH between neonates with early treatment of a clinically significant PDA compared to late, however early indomethacin treatment was associated with reduced severity of IVH. In the subset analysis, the presence of a hemodynamically significant PDA (hs-PDA) was not associated with a higher probability of IVH. Of those with severe IVH, 18 (55%) had a hs-PDA; this is clinically but not statistically significant.Conclusions: Identified risk factors should be the target of IVH reduction bundles. Early indomethacin treatment for a clinically significant PDA may reduce IVH severity.

Risk factors associated with severe IVH in outborn infants

Background: Severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. Birth in a non-perinatal center (“outborn”) is associated with an increased risk of IVH; the risk factors for IVH in the outborn and subsequently transported population have been less studied. An evaluation of the risk factors for severe IVH among outborn preterm infants may provide insight into areas of opportunity for practice …

Correlation of early fluctuation management on intraventricular hemorrhage in very/extremely low birth weight infant

Objective To investigate the correlation of early incubator temperature fluctuation on intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very/extremely-low birth weight infants (E/VLBW). Methods From July 2015 to September 2016, 270 patients of hospitalized E/VLBW were included in this study. Temperature changes including incubator temperature and abdominal temperature within 72 hours after admission and routine clinical data were collected,the E/VLBW were divided into IVH group and non-IVH group, as well as the occurrence and grading of IVH. Chi-square test, t test and nonparametric test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the effect of early incubator temperature fluctuations in E/VLBW on IVH. Results Of the 270 V/ELBW studied, the incidence of IVH was 24.4% (66/270) , severe IVH(grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ) was 5.2% (14/270) . Univariate analysis showed that in addition to common IVH risk factors such as gestational age, body weight, 1/5 min Apgar score, sex, delivery, hyperglycemia, prenatal steroid and mechanical ventilation, fluctuations of body temperature and incubator temperature were relevant for IVH in E/VLBW (P<0.05) . Logistic regression analysis of the above relevant risk factors showed fluctuations of temperature (OR=1.10) was also an independent risk factor for IVH in E/VLBW(P<0.05) , in addition to sex(OR=0.42) , 1 min Apgar score (OR=0.71) , and hyperglycemia (OR=3.67) . Conclusion Fluctuation of incubator temperature is an independent risk factor for IVH in V/ELBWI. During centralized nursing and nursing operations, the operating time should be shortened as much as possible to reduce the number of fluctuations of incubators and body temperature to reduce the incidence of IVH and improve the quality of life. Key words: Temperature; Nursing care; Very/ extremely-low birth weight infants; Intracranial hemorrhage

Chorioamnionitis Is a Risk Factor for Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although chorioamnionitis (CA) is a well-known risk factor for white matter disease of prematurity, the association with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is controversial and has not been yet systematically reviewed. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies exploring the association between CA and IVH. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE, from their inception to 1 July 2017. Studies were included if they examined preterm infants and reported primary data that could be used to measure the association between exposure to CA and the presence of IVH. A random-effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We found 1,284 potentially relevant studies, of which 85 met the inclusion criteria (46,244 infants, 13,432 CA cases). Meta-analysis showed that CA exposure was significantly associated with all grades IVH (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.61–2.19), with grades 1–2 IVH (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.34), and with grades 3–4 IVH (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.42–1.85). Both clinical and histological CA were associated with an increased risk for developing IVH in very preterm infants. In contrast, the presence of funisitis did not increase IVH risk when compared to CA in the absence of funisitis (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.89–1.67). Further meta-analyses confirmed earlier findings that CA-exposed infants have significantly lower gestational age (GA; mean difference [MD] −1.20 weeks) and lower birth weight (BW; MD −55 g) than the infants not exposed to CA. However, meta-regression and subgroup analysis could not demonstrate an association between the lower GA and BW and the risk of IVH in the CA-exposed infants. In conclusion, our data show that CA is a risk factor for IVH, but also a risk factor for greater prematurity and more clinical instability. In contrast to other complications of prematurity, such as patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the effect of CA on IVH appears to be independent of CA as causative factor for very preterm birth.

Lack of relationship between cord blood erythropoietin and intraventricular hemorrhage in premature neonates: a controversial result.

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) as well as the role of cord blood erythropoietin (EPO) level in predicting the possibility of IVH in premature neonates. This prospective study included 140 preterm neonates born at hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from May 2014 to April 2015. Complete blood count and cord blood EPO level was measured after birth. Brain ultrasonography was performed at 3 and 7-10days after birth in these newborns. Brain ultrasonography showed IVH in 8.57% (12/140) until the third day and 20% (28/140) at 7-10days of life in premature neonates. Early gestational age, low birth weight, low Apgar score, and failure to give prenatal steroid were significant risk factors for developing IVH. The mean level of cord blood EPO was 20.95 ± 21.09mIU/mL in premature newborns without IVH and 15.82 ± 17.11mIU/mL with IVH. There was no correlation between the cord blood EPO and IVH in premature newborns. Antenatal steroids therapy should be encouraged among women at risk of premature delivery. Our results showed that the cord blood EPO was not correlated with IVH in preterm neonates and further research is required to assess this relationship.

Leading Causes of Preterm Delivery as Risk Factors for Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very Preterm Infants: Results of the EPIPAGE 2 Cohort Study

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216(5):518.e1–518.e12) Advances in care have resulted in large decreases in mortality and disability rates for preterm infants. While significant reductions in the rates of cerebral palsy have been seen, there has been no similar reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is aggravated by weaknesses in the germinal matrix, changes in cerebral blood flow, and coagulation problems. Although the association of postnatal factors with IVH have been studied, the fact that the condition occurs within a few days of delivery implies that perinatal causes may be more important. In particular, the effect of pregnancy complications has not been studied. This study compared the incidence of IVH with the primary causes of preterm delivery.

Leading causes of preterm delivery as risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants: results of the EPIPAGE 2 cohort study

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental disabilities in preterm infants. However, few studies have investigated how pregnancy complications responsible for preterm delivery are related to intraventricular hemorrhage. We sought to investigate the association between the main causes of preterm delivery and intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants born in France during 2011 between 22-31 weeks of gestation. The study included 3495 preterm infants from the national EPIPAGE 2 cohort study who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units and had at least 1 cranial ultrasound assessment. The primary outcome was grade I-IV intraventricular hemorrhage according to the Papile classification. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to study the relationship between risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and the leading causes of preterm delivery: vascular placental diseases, isolated intrauterine growth retardation, placental abruption, preterm labor, and premature rupture of membranes, with or without associated maternal inflammatory syndrome. The overall frequency of grade IV, III, II, and I intraventricular hemorrhage was 3.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.2-4.5), 3.3% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.9), 12.1% (95% confidence interval, 11.0-13.3), and 17.0% (95% confidence interval, 15.7-18.4), respectively. After adjustment for gestational age, antenatal magnesium sulfate therapy, level of care in the maternity unit, antenatal corticosteroids, and chest compressions, infants born after placental abruption had a higher risk of grade IV and III intraventricular hemorrhage compared to those born under placental vascular disease conditions, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-17.0) and 4.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-17.6), respectively. Similarly, preterm labor with concurrent inflammatory syndrome was associated with an increased risk of grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-10.2]). Premature rupture of membranes did not significantly increase the risk. Relationships between the causes of preterm birth and intraventricular hemorrhage were limited to specific and rare cases involving acute hypoxia-ischemia and/or inflammation. While the emergent nature of placental abruption would challenge any attempts to optimize management, the prenatal care offered during preterm labor could be improved.

ETIOPATHOGENIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF PERINATAL BRAIN INJURIES: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND THE RESULTS OF OWN RESEARCH

Background . The term «intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn» was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1970s. In the first soviet guidelines on pediatric neurology, the intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was considered as a complication after birth injury induced by a mechanical trauma to the fetal head due to the choroidal vascular plexus. The first large-scale studies devoted to IVH in children were conducted in the USA in the 1970s after the introduction of ultrasound examination of brain, which is the main instrumental method for IVH diagnostics. In 1978, the specialists manage to explore the germinal matrix of the brain in the fetus and newborn, which is believed to be the main source of IVH in premature newborns. This structure was shown to give rise to brain neuroblasts and glia: this is a capillary-rich area that consists of poorly differentiated randomly arranged cells, and has a soft connective-tissue carcass that can cause IVH in this area in newborns. According to a currently accepted approach, risk factors for IVH are divided into 3 pathogenetic groups: antenatal, intranatal and postnatal. Among the antenatal risk factors, the main role belongs to the prenatal infection, especially viral infection. Besides, mother comorbidities (first of all cardiovascular and endocrine diseases) and pathological pregnancy (threatened abortion, severe gestosis and placental insufficiency) are also considered as important predictors of IVH. The internatal risk factors include placental detachment, precipitate labor, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome in mother etc. In this article the authors present a detailed review of currently available data as well as the results of own studies. Objective : to provide an overview of the stages of the IVH investigation, to identify the main features of the IVH etiopathogenesis comparing to other perinatal disorders of the central nervous system, and to assess the consequences of IVH. Materials and methods . The study was based on the results of clinical and pathogenetic investigations of 182 children who underwent rehabilitation in the specialized center for children with nervous system disorders (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan). Results . In contrast to non-IVH perinatal disorders, the IVH is mostly observed in the premature newborns (63.1 % of cases) with less than 34 weeks of gestational age (22.3 % of cases). The IVH may lead to serious consequences including decreased rehabilitation potential in terms of both anatomical abnormalities and cognitive and speech disorders. Conclusion . We have identified the main features of IVH etiopathogenesis in children, compared them with the features of other perinatal disorders, and evaluated their consequences.

Risk factors of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit , University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Rijeka

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most important causes of damage to the central nervous system in preterm infants. There are number of the investigated risk factors for IVH in premature infants: genetic, prenatal, delivery factors, and factors related to neonatal period. Some of them are of iatrogenic nature, suggesting the need for scientific-research approach to detect them. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from medical records of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Rijeka. Selected were the data on premature infants who were diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage (I- IV. degree), during 2013 and 2014. We analyzed the data of 60 children relating to pregnancy, childbirth and neonatal period. Subjects were divided into groups, depending on the degree of IVH, and the results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Chorioamnionitis during pregnancy, Apgar score at 1st and 5th minutes, perinatal asphyxia, gestational age, the presence of respiratory distress, birth weight, hyper- / hypocapnia, resuscitation, the use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and the filtered red blood cells (FRBC) in the first week of life, showed a statistically significant association with the development of higher degree IVH. Factors that significantly influenced the degree of IVH are gestational age (P = 0.004) and the application of FE in the first week (P = 0.001). In explaining the degree of IVH, application of FE in the first week of life independently contributed with 11.74%, while gestational age with 7.80%.CONCLUSIONS: It is particularly important that the medical staff, which takes care of preterm newborn and pregnant woman, is familiar with the risk factors for developing IVH, particularly those of iatrogenic nature, for the purpose of their minimization and / or elimination.

Platelet Transfusion Practices Among Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Thrombocytopenia and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) are common among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Survey results suggest that US neonatologists frequently administer platelet transfusions to VLBW infants with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia. To characterize platelet transfusion practices in US neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), to determine whether severity of illness influences platelet transfusion decisions, and to examine the association between platelet count (PCT) and the risk for IVH in the first 7 days of life. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 972 VLBW infants treated in 6 US NICUs, with admission dates from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2007. Data were collected from all infants until NICU discharge or death (last day of data collected, December 4, 2008). Data were entered into the central database, cleaned, and analyzed from May 1, 2009, to February 11, 2016. Platelet transfusion. Number of platelet transfusions and incidence of IVH. Among the 972 VLBW infants (520 [53.5%] male; mean [SD] gestational age, 28.2 [2.9] weeks), 231 received 1002 platelet transfusions (mean [SD], 4.3 [6.0] per infant; range, 1-63 per infant). The pretransfusion PCT was at least 50 000/μL for 653 of 998 transfusions (65.4%) with this information. Two hundred eighty-one transfusions (28.0%) were given during the first 7 days of life. During that period, platelet transfusions were given on 35 of 53 days (66.0%) when the patient had a PCT less than 50 000/μL and on 203 of 436 days (46.6%) when the patient had a PCT of 50 000/μL to 99 000/μL. At least 1 marker of severe illness was present on 198 of 212 patient-days (93.4%) with thrombocytopenia (PCT, <100 000/μL) when a platelet transfusion was given compared with 113 of 190 patient-days (59.5%) with thrombocytopenia when no platelet transfusion was given. Thrombocytopenia was a risk factor for intraventricular hemorrhage during the first 7 days of life (hazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.53-3.08; P < .001). However, no correlation was found between severity of thrombocytopenia and risk for IVH. After controlling for significant clinical factors and thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusions did not have a significant effect on the incidence of IVH (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.49-1.73; P = .80). A large proportion of platelet transfusions were given to VLBW infants with PCT greater than 50 000/μL. Severity of illness influenced transfusion decisions. However, the severity of thrombocytopenia did not correlate with the risk for IVH, and platelet transfusions did not reduce this risk.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Preterm Infant: An Update on Morbidity and Mortality.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common factor complicating the care of the preterm infant, but controversy remains regarding the long term effects of PDA and iatrogenic closure of PDA. Studies presenting data relevant to the relationship between PDA and mortality and morbidity were identified via a systematic literature review. These studies were classified based on PDA exposure in the case and control groups. The data was abstracted and summarized using linear modeling, resulting in summary estimates of mean effect size (odds ratio). Recently published data suggests that a significant relationship between PDA and mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, or retinopathy of prematurity is unlikely. However, the data related to mortality leaves room for some debate. Quantitative analysis of the data shows that PDA is a risk factor for intraventricular hemorrhage and related studies suggest this risk may carry over into long term neurological outcomes. Further efforts to better understand the physiologic consequences of PDA and its closure in preterm infants is necessary. A focus on new biochemical or physiologic factors that mediate or confound any apparent effect of PDA and are themselves amenable to targeted therapy is imperative to further progress in improving the outcomes of these patients.

Risk Factors for Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants Born at 34 Weeks of Gestation or Less Following Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

The objective of this study is to identify possible perinatal risk factors related to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants born at 34 weeks of gestation or less following preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). A total of 292 preterm infants born at 34 weeks of gestation or less following pPROM were enrolled in the study, while 155 newborns with incomplete data, especially those that lack histological examination of the placenta, maternal details, and neonatal characteristics, have been further excluded. Finally, data of 137 preterm infants were included in the analysis. All infants underwent ultrasonographic screening for IVH. Thirty-three infants with IVH were considered as cases and 104 infants without IVH were considered as controls. The association between risk factors and IVH was evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The incidence of IVH in preterm infants born at 34 weeks of gestation or less following pPROM was 24.1%, while the incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis was 43.8%. By univariate analysis, gestational age, birth weight, asphyxia resuscitation, maternal chorioamnionitis, fetal distress, amniotic fluid index, and latency of the rupture of membranes to birth were found to be significantly different between the 2 groups. By logistic regression analysis, lower gestational age, low birth weight, asphyxia resuscitation, and maternal chorioamnionitis were found to be independent risk factors for IVH. Lower gestational age, low birth weight, asphyxia resuscitation, and maternal chorioamnionitis are independent risk factors for IVH in preterm infants born at 34 weeks of gestation or less following pPROM.