Risk Of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Research Articles

Maternal body mass index and risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

BackgroundIntraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and pre-pregnancy obesity and underweight have been linked to inflammatory states. We hypothesize that IVH in preterm infants is associated with pre-pregnancy obesity and underweight due to an inflammatory intrauterine environment.MethodsPopulation-based study of infants born between 22 and 32 weeks' gestation from 2007 to 2011. Data were extracted from vital statistics and the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. Results were examined for all cases (any IVH) and for severe IVH.ResultsAmong 20,927 infants, 4,818 (23%) had any IVH and 1,514 (7%) had severe IVH. After adjustment for confounders, there was an increased risk of IVH associated with pre-pregnancy obesity, relative risk 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 1.32) for any IVH, and 1.25 (85% CI 1.10, 1.42) for severe IVH. The direct effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on any IVH was significant (P<0.001) after controlling for antenatal inflammation-related conditions, but was not significant after controlling for gestational age (P=0.56).ConclusionPre-pregnancy obesity was found to be a risk factor for IVH in preterm infants; however, this relationship appeared to be largely mediated through the effect of BMI on gestational age at delivery. The etiology of IVH is complex and it is important to understand the contributing maternal factors.

Maternal Body Mass Index and Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Neonates

Maternal Body Mass Index and Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Neonates

The Neu-Prem Trial: Neuromonitoring of Brains of Infants Born Preterm During Resuscitation—A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

To determine whether monitoring cerebral oxygen tissue saturation (StO2) with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and brain activity with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) can predict infants at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and death in the first 72 hours of life. A NIRS sensor and electroencephalography leads were placed on 127 newborns <32 weeks of gestational age at birth. Ten minutes of continuous NIRS and aEEG along with heart rate, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, and mean airway pressure measurements were obtained in the delivery room. Once the infant was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit, NIRS, aEEG, and vital signs were recorded until 72 hours of life. An ultrasound scan of the head was performed within the first 12 hours of life and again at 72 hours of life. Thirteen of the infants developed any IVH or died; of these, 4 developed severe IVH (grade 3-4) within 72 hours. There were no differences in either cerebral StO2 or aEEG in the infants with low-grade IVH. Infants who developed severe IVH or death had significantly lower cerebral StO2 from 8 to 10 minutes of life. aEEG was not predictive of IVH or death in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit. It may be possible to use NIRS in the delivery room to predict severe IVH and early death. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02605733.

Early lumbar puncture and risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants

BackgroundLumbar puncture (LP) is the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis; however it is unknown whether early LP (≤3days of life) is associated with increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. ObjectiveTo determine whether early LP in VLBW infants is associated with severe IVH. MethodsVLBW infants from a cohort of 1,158,789 infants discharged from 382 neonatal intensive care units (1997–2015) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria: infants with major congenital anomalies, outborns, died/transferred prior to day of life 3, and those who had an LP performed only after day of life 3. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between early LP and the incidence of severe IVH (IVH grades 3/4) by 28days of life for each day of life from day 0 (birth) to day 3, adjusting for clinical covariates. Results106,461 infants were included: 754 received an LP on Day-0, 640 on Day-1, 559 on Day-2 and 483 on Day-3. Severe IVH occurred in 4% (4130/104,025) of the infants in the no LP group and 9% (217/2436) of the LP group. Severe IVH was higher for infants with early LP: adjusted OR (95% confidence interval)=2.64 (1.96–3.54) on Day-0; 2.21 (1.61–3.04) on Day-1; 1.55 (1.03–2.34) on Day-2; and 2.25 (1.50–3.38) on Day-3. ConclusionsEarly LP was associated with severe IVH in VLBW infants by 28days of life. LP is either a surrogate for an unrecognized factor or is itself associated with an increased risk of IVH.

A clinical scoring system to predict the development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature infants.

A prospective, clinical study was conducted in Bahcesehir University, Medical Park Goztepe Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with the enrollment of 144 preterm infants with gestational age between 24 and 34weeks. All preterms were followed up for IVH after birth until the 4th week of life. The demographic characteristics and clinical risk factors were noted. Risk factors were analyzed. The score was established after logistic regression analysis, considering the impact of each variable on the occurrence of IVH within the first 7days of life. The IVH scores were further applied prospectively to 89 preterm infants as validation cohort. Low gestational age (GA), low Apgar score, and having bleeding diathesis were the most important risk factors for IVH. According to these risk factors, a scoring system was developed for IVH ranged from 0 to 5. According to the risk ratios (RR) obtained from the logistic regression model, low GA (≤28 gestational week), presence of bleeding diathesis within 7days, and low Apgar score increased the risk of IVH (RR=3.32 for GA ≤28 gestational week, RR=6.7 for presence of bleeding diathesis in 7th day, RR=3 for having low Apgar score). The score was validated successfully in 89 infants. The area under ROC curve was 0.85 for derivation cohort and 0.807 for validation cohort. The predictive ability of the IVH score for derivation and validation cohort was calculated. The negative predictive values of a score less than 4 were 96.4 and 59.1%. CONCLUSıON: Concerning IVH-related sequelae which continue to be a major public health problem, we have developed a feasible predictive model for evaluating the risk for developing IVH for preterm infants in the first 7days of life.

The combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome increases the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates.

To evaluate the impact of combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on the development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm neonates. This retrospective cohort study includes 207 consecutive preterm births (24.0-33.0 weeks of gestation). Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration >23 ng/mL. According to McMenamin's classification, IVH was defined as grade II or higher when detected by neurosonography within the first weeks of life. (1) IVH was diagnosed in 6.8% (14/207) of neonates in the study population; (2) IVH was frequent among newborns exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation when followed by postnatal RDS [33% (6/18)]. The frequency of IVH was 7% (8/115) among neonates exposed to either of these conditions - intra-amniotic inflammation or RDS - and 0% (0/64) among those who were not exposed to these conditions; and (3) Neonates exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation and postnatal RDS had a significantly higher risk of IVH than those with only intra-amniotic inflammation [odds ratio (OR) 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-19.3] and those with RDS alone (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.0-30.9), after adjusting for gestational age. The combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and postnatal RDS markedly increased the risk of IVH in preterm neonates.

Randomized controlled trial of antenatal magnesium sulfate for short-term neuroprotection in premature neonates

Objective: To test the hypothesis that antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has a short term neuroprotective role in the early neonatal period, when given to women considered at risk for preterm delivery in a developing country. Study Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, open label, trial. Participants: A total of 126 mothers who delivered at or below 34 weeks gestation were randomized to receive either antenatal MgSO4 (cases) or normal saline as placebo (controls). A total of 108 babies born were observed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Primary Outcome: The composite of the incidence of death and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) by cranial ultrasonography in surviving preterm infants. Results: There were 6 deaths in cases and 11 deaths in controls (relative risk [RR]: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2173-1.369; p=0.18). A statistically significant reduction in the number of IVH was observed in cases (n=1) compared to controls (n=9) (RR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.0145-0.897; p=0.016) with a number needed to treat of 7. Conclusion: Antenatal MgSO4 resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of IVH in preterm infants born at or below 34 weeks of gestation.

Does umbilical cord milking result in higher measures of systemic blood flow in preterm infants?

Commentary on: Katheria AC, Truong G, Cousins L, Oshiro B, Finer NN. Umbilical cord milking versus delayed cord clamping in preterm infants. Pediatrics. 2015 July;136(1):61–69; doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0368. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a 30–60 s delay in umbilical cord clamping for all preterm deliveries, though limited data regarding outcomes by mode of delivery exists 1. Umbilical cord milking (UCM) is a method to auto-infuse blood into the neonate in a shorter amount of time. A 2011 study comparing UCM with delayed cord clamping (DCC) in infants <33 weeks’ gestation found no major clinical differences between the groups, though the trial did not stratify outcomes by mode of delivery 2. The reviewed study (Katheria et al.) is the first trial to compare UCM and DCC at Caesarean delivery and to evaluate DCC for more than 30 seconds in preterm infants. The authors hypothesised that UCM after Caesarean delivery would improve systemic blood flow and be associated with decreased morbidities compared with DCC. The study was unique in its use of delayed consent, in which parents were informed and consented after delivery. Delayed consent was used because antenatal consent requirements would exclude a subset of newborns, and because UCM and DCC are both standard practices at these institutions. This method of consent may raise ethical concerns; however, others have praised it as a strategy to increase enrolment of high risk infants 3. The study was adequately blinded and used advanced techniques to measure neonatal hemodynamics. The primary outcome of superior vena cava flow was chosen as a marker of neonatal transition that is not affected by foetal shunts. Right ventricular output was lower in the DCC group, which previous studies have shown to be associated with increased oxygen requirement, severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and death 4. There was no difference in left ventricular output (LVO), but LVO may be confounded by a left to right shunt across a patent ductus arteriosus and thereby overestimate systemic blood flow. The authors argue that given the markers suggestive of improved organ perfusion, UCM may stabilise fluctuations in systemic blood flow and therefore prevent IVH, although the study did not have adequate power to assess this outcome. Despite not being statistically significant, the different rates of IVH appear to be clinically relevant. With an absolute risk difference of 6/100, it is difficult to dismiss the potential decreased risk of IVH associated with UCM. Another limitation of the study is the lack of a control group to undergo immediate cord clamping (ICC). Given improved clinical outcomes associated with placental transfusion, the authors state that they did not have clinical equipoise to assign ICC. Lastly, the study was limited by only including 94/197 infants who were <29 weeks’ gestational age. It remains uncertain if and how the present study will influence clinical practice. Larger trials involving smaller, more premature neonates are needed in addition to long-term assessment of neurodevelopmental outcomes. The authors confidently state that ‘UCM should no longer be considered experimental…[but] a beneficial option for preterm infants delivered by Caesarean delivery’. With the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of UCM, we concur with the authors in advocating for this intervention. https://ebneo.org/2015/12/does-umbilical-cord-milking-result-in-higher-measures-of-systemic-blood-flow-in-preterm-infants/ None. None.

Delivery mode and intraventricular hemorrhage risk in very-low-birth-weight infants: Observational data of the German Neonatal Network

BackgroundVery-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI) are frequently delivered by cesarean section (CS). However, it is unclear at what gestational age the benefits of spontaneous delivery outweigh the perinatal risks, i.e. intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or death. ObjectivesTo assess the short-term outcome of VLBWI on IVH according to mode of delivery in a population-based cohort of the German Neonatal Network (GNN). Study designA total cohort of 2203 singleton VLBWI with a birth weight <1500g and gestational age between 22 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks born and discharged between 1st of January 2009 and 31st of December 2015 was available for analysis. VLBWI were stratified into three categories according to mode of delivery: (1) planned cesarean section (n=1381), (2) vaginal delivery (n=632) and (3) emergency cesarean section (n=190). Outcome was assessed in univariate and logistic regression analyses. ResultsPrevalence of IVH was significantly higher in the vaginal delivery (VD) (26.6%) and emergency CS group (31.1%) as compared to planned CS (17.2%), respectively. In a logistic regression analysis including known risk factors for IVH, vaginal delivery (OR 1.725 [1.325–2.202], p≤0.001) and emergency cesarean section (OR 1.916 [1.338–2.746], p≤0.001) were independently associated with IVH risk. In the subgroup of infants >30 weeks of gestation prevalence for IVH was not significantly different in VD and planned CS (5.3% vs. 4.4%). ConclusionsOur observational data demonstrate that elective cesarean section is associated with a reduced risk of IVH in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age when presenting with preterm labor.

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.

Role of selected cytokines in the etiopathogenesis of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm newborns.

Proinflammatory cytokines are essential mediators and indicators of an inflammatory process occurring in the body. Their physiological role is to stimulate the immune response, yet their excessive propagation and interaction with cells outside the immune system may be linked to the risk of organ damage. This is specifically important in the case of immature tissues of fetuses and prematurely born infants. Analysis of the concentrations of specific cytokines in different compartments makes it possible to assess the risk of premature birth, preterm rupture of the membranes, and to determine an existing intrauterine infection. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing research concerning the relationships between the concentrations of specific proinflammatory cytokines in different compartments (maternal blood serum, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, arterial and venous blood, and cerebrospinal fluid of the newborn) and the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and the degree of its severity. The paper takes also into account the assessment of the usefulness of cytokines as biomarkers for IVH and its complications (posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, white matter injury).

Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury and the Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant

Despite improvements in survival of premature infants, many have comorbid conditions. The role of the kidney in multiorgan dysfunction is unclear, particularly in regard to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). We hypothesized that infants diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) have an increased risk of IVH independent of gestational age (GA) and other variables associated with both comorbidities. This prospective cohort study consisted of 125 infants with a birth weight ≤1,200 g and/or GA ≤31 weeks. A definition of AKI was used from KDIGO, not including urine output as nonoliguria is common in this population. IVH was based on serial head ultrasounds. Neonates with AKI had a higher trend towards having IVH compared to those without [14/35 (40%) vs. 22/83 (26.5%), p = 0.1]. Infants with AKI were more likely to have stage 2 IVH or higher than those without AKI [12/36 (33.3%) vs. 6/82 (7.3%); p < 0.01]. AKI was associated with a 3.6-fold increased risk of a grade 2 or higher IVH [hazard ratio (HR) 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-9.07] and over 4-fold increase in risk of a grade 3 or higher IVH (HR 4.34, 95% CI 1.43-13.21). While there was no association between AKI and IVH overall, those with AKI had a higher hazard ratio to develop a grade 2 or higher IVH even when controlling for birth weight, antenatal steroid use, and 5-min Apgar score. Future studies are indicated to expand sample size and to control for other clinical variables that could be associated with both AKI and IVH.

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.

Does hyperglycemia in hypernatremic preterm infants increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage?

Hypernatremia and hyperglycemia are highly prevalent in preterm infants during the first week after birth, and both can lead to hyperosmolarity and osmotic shifts. The objective is to determine whether hyperglycemia increases the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in hypernatremic preterm infants. Single-center retrospective medical record review of 216 infants <1000 g birth weight and <29 weeks gestational age (admitted over a 9-year period) who had serum sodium levels and blood glucose levels monitored at least every 24 h and more frequently if indicated during the first 10 days after birth. Hyperglycemia was defined as persistently high blood glucose (usually >200 mg dl(-1)) treated with an insulin infusion. Hypernatremia was defined as a serum sodium level of ⩾150 mmol l(-1) on repeated measurements. Of the 216 infants studied, 76 (35%) developed hyperglycemia and 126 (58%) developed hypernatremia. IVH developed more frequently in infants with hyperglycemia (P=0.006, odds ratio (OR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 4.1), in infants with hypernatremia (P=0.018, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.5) and in infants with hypernatremia plus hyperglycemia (P=0.001, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.4). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed the independent association of higher risk of IVH with the presence of hypernatremia plus hyperglycemia (P=0.015, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.5) but not with hypernatremia or hyperglycemia alone. Hyperglycemia increases the risk of IVH in hypernatremic preterm infants.

Response to dopamine in prematurity: a biomarker for brain injury?

ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with responsiveness to dopamine therapy for hypotension and the relationship to brain injury in a cohort of preterm infants.Study DesignThe pharmacy database at St. Louis Children’s Hospital was retrospectively queried to identify infants who (a) were born < 28 weeks gestation between 2012–14, (b) received dopamine, and (c) had blood pressure measurements from an umbilical arterial catheter. A control group was constructed from contemporaneous infants who did not receive dopamine. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at baseline, 1h and 3h after initiating dopamine were obtained for each dopamine-exposed infant. MABP measurements at matched time points were obtained in the control group.ResultsSixty-nine dopamine-treated and forty-five control infants were included. Mean ΔMABP at 3h was 4.5±6.3 mm of Hg for treated infants versus 1±2.9 for the control. Median dopamine starting dose was 2.5 µg/kg/min. Dopamine-treated infants were less mature and lower birth weight while also more likely to be intubated at 72h, diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and to die. Failure to respond to dopamine was associated with greater likelihood of developing IVH (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.1–42.3), while a strong response (ΔMABP >10 mmHg) was associated with a reduction in risk of IVH (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01–0.8).ConclusionsLow-moderate dose dopamine administration results in modest blood pressure improvements. A lack of response to dopamine is associated with a greater risk of IVH while a strong response is associated with a decreased risk. Further research into underlying mechanisms and management strategies is needed.

Delayed Cord Clamping in Preterm Neonates: A Review of Benefits and Risks.

Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord of premature neonates decreases perinatal morbidity. Allowing time for autotransfusion of placental blood before the umbilical cord is clamped represents a simple practice that may have significant impact. In light of many professional societies recommending delayed cord clamping in premature neonates because of its beneficial effects, the topic still holds many unanswered questions. The purpose of this article is to review the most recent evidence available regarding delayed cord clamping in premature neonates. A literature search using PubMed, Cochrane database, and cumulative index of nursing and allied health literature provided the references for this review. Although the evidence comes primarily from small trials, delayed umbilical cord clamping in premature neonates is associated with less need for red blood cell transfusions, increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and decrease in risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis. No maternal or neonatal risks have been demonstrated. Data on long-term outcomes are lacking. Delayed cord clamping in premature neonates is a simple procedure that the current evidence supports to improve neonatal morbidity. The impact on long-term outcomes remains limited. The optimal time to delay cord clamping and potential risks are poorly studied.

Intraventricular hemorrhage in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia: a look into incidence, timing and risk factors.

BackgroundIntraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is uncommon in term newborns. Asphyxia and hypothermia have been mentioned separately as possible risk factors of IVH, since they might cause fluctuations of cerebral blood flow. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, the timing, and the risk factors of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in term asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of all term asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia from August 2008 to June 2013. The presence or not of IVH was assessed using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed after the hypothermia treatment was completed or using head ultrasound during the hypothermia treatment. For these newborns, to determine the timing of IVH, we retrospectively reviewed if they had other brain imaging studies performed during their neonatal hospitalization stay. In addition, we compared their general characteristics with those not developing IVH.ResultsOne hundred and sixty asphyxiated newborns met the criteria for hypothermia. Fifteen of these newborns developed IVH, leading to an estimate of 9 % (95 % CI: 5.3-15.0 %) of IVH in this population of newborns. Fifty-three percent had hemorrhage limited to the choroid plexus or IVH without ventricular dilatation; 47 % had IVH with ventricular dilatation or parenchymal hemorrhage. Sixty-seven percent had an initial normal brain imaging; the diagnostic brain imaging that demonstrated the IVH was obtained either during cooling (in 30 %), within 24 h of the rewarming (in 30 %), or 24 h after the rewarming (in 40 %). Recurrent seizures were the presenting symptom of IVH during the rewarming in 20 % of the newborns. Coagulopathy was more frequent in the asphyxiated newborns developing IVH (p < 0.001). The asphyxiated newborns developing IVH also presented more frequently with persistent pulmonary hypertension, hypotension, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy (p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia appear to be at an increased risk of IVH, especially those with significant hemodynamic instability. IVH seems to develop during late hypothermia and rewarming. Efforts should be directed towards maintaining hemodynamic stability in these patients, even during the rewarming.

Maternal Morbidities and Occurrence of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most serious neurological morbidities in preterm infants. Several prenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal risk factors have been detected in different studies. However, maternal conditions that may render the neonates to IVH have been the subject of very few studies. Preterm infants with and without IVH were included in the study, and maternal obstetrics and general health clinical files were reviewed for any kind of morbidity. Data were then analyzed with statistical software to assess the association between maternal conditions and IVH. A total of 115 neonates with IVH and 120 infants without IVH were recruited. Among all maternal conditions, prolonged rupture of membrane (p = 0.00), laparoscopic surgery for infertility (p = 0.001), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) (p = 0.00) increased the risk of IVH in neonates significantly. IVF remained strongly associated with IVH even after controlling for confounding variables (odds ratio: 9.75; confidence interval: 2.66-35.75; p = 0.001). Based on our findings, prolonged rupture of membrane and IVF were maternal conditions that increased the risk of IVH. Laparoscopic surgery for infertility was also associated with an increased risk of IVH.

The role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) affects 15-20% of babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Besides gestational age (below 32 weeks) there are a number of IVH risk factors. Increasing attention is being paid to genetic factors in the development of IVH. The authors discuss genetic factors (mutations of coagulation factors, gene polymorphisms in pro-inflammatory cytokines, mutation of type IV collagen gene, polymorphisms of genes responsible for the regulation of systemic blood pressure and cerebral blood flows) whose involvement in IVH pathogenesis has been confirmed in the highest number of reports and for which being a carrier plays an important role in their pathophysiology. The role of genetic factors in IVH remains unclear. Further analysis of the role of genetic factors in the pathophysiology of IVH will make it possible to determine the group of newborns who are specifically at risk of developing IVH in the perinatal period.

Genetic variants of the vitamin K dependent coagulation system and intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

BackgroundPathogenesis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature infants is multifactorial. Little is known about the impact of genetic variants in the vitamin K-dependent coagulation system on the development of IVH.MethodsPolymorphisms in the genes encoding vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1 -1639G>A) and coagulation factor 7 (F7 -323Ins10) were examined prospectively in 90 preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age with respect to coagulation profile and IVH risk.ResultsF7-323Ins10 was associated with lower factor VII levels, but not with individual IVH risk. In VKORC1-wildtype infants, logistic regression analysis revealed a higher IVH risk compared to carriers of the -1639A allele. Levels of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation parameters assessed in the first hour after birth did not differ between VKORC1-wildtype infants and those carrying -1639A alleles.ConclusionsOur data support the assumption that genetic variants in the vitamin K-dependent coagulation system influence the coagulation profile and the IVH risk in preterm infants. Further studies focussing on short-term changes in vitamin K-kinetics and the coagulation profile during the first days of life are required to further understand a possible link between development of IVH and genetic variants affecting the vitamin K-metabolism.