Abstract

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

In this study, 24 patients with PV/IVH determined by bedside cranial ultrasonography (US) in our neonatal intensive care unit were retrospectively evaluated about the predisposing risk factors.

RESULTS

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

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Low gestational age (≤32GWs) and birth weight (≤1500g), non-implementation of antenatal steroids, low Apgar score, RDS, PDA, sepsis and ventilator therapy are important risk factors for PV/IVH. Evaluation with cranial US of such infants should be done and infants diagnosed with intracranial bleeding should be closely monitored.