Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Effect of tilting on cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infants with periventricular leucencephalomalacia

G Pichler1, B Urlesberger, G Schmölzer

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. gp17646@i-one.at

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with periventricular leucencephalomalacia (PVL) show altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) and autoregulation. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) detected significant differences in cerebral blood volume (CBV) and oxygenation index (cHbO2) changes during head tilting in infants with PVL.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Periventricular leucencephalomalacia (PVL) is a serious brain injury in preterm infants.
  • Impaired cerebral blood flow and autoregulation are implicated in PVL development.
  • Early detection of hemodynamic changes is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infants to detect impaired cerebral blood flow and autoregulation.
  • To investigate if these measurements can aid in preventing brain lesions, particularly PVL.

Main Methods:

  • Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral haemoglobin oxygenation index (cHbO2).
  • Changes in CBV and cHbO2 were analyzed following head tilting maneuvers in preterm infants.
  • Infants were categorized into groups with and without PVL.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in CBV and cHbO2 changes were observed between infants with and without PVL after tilting.
  • CBV demonstrated more pronounced decreases after tilting up and increases after tilting down in infants with PVL.
  • Similar trends were noted for cHbO2, suggesting impaired cerebral autoregulation in the PVL group.

Conclusions:

  • Pronounced changes in CBV and cHbO2 during head tilting in preterm infants with PVL indicate reduced cerebral autoregulatory capacity.
  • These findings may contribute to understanding and preventing PVL.
  • NIRS is a valuable tool for assessing cerebral haemodynamics in high-risk neonates.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia06:24

Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia

Published on: May 18, 2010

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...