[An ultrasound protocol in premature infants with intracranial hemorrhage]

Gordana Velisavljev-Filipović1

  • 1Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad, Institut za zdravstvenu zastitu dece i omladine. velisgor@eunet.yu

Medicinski Pregled
|March 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Premature birth complications, like intracranial hemorrhage, require early diagnosis. Ultrasound is a safe, effective bedside tool for monitoring brain bleeds in premature infants, aiding in disability prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Medical imaging

Background:

  • Premature birth is a global health concern, with significant rates in America, Europe, and Vojvodina.
  • Intracranial hemorrhage is a major cause of morbidity in premature infants.
  • Incomplete central nervous system (CNS) development in premature infants can lead to complications but also enables survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and grading of intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.
  • To emphasize the role of ultrasound in monitoring intracranial hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

  • Brain monitoring of premature infants is conducted using ultrasound.
  • Ultrasound is a mobile, cost-effective, and repeatable bedside technique.
  • Ultrasound allows for precise timing and daily monitoring of hemorrhage absorption.

Main Results:

  • Ultrasound is safe, involves no ionizing radiation, and requires no sedation.
  • The examination is non-invasive and painless for the infant.
  • Ultrasound facilitates the definition of hemorrhage timing and progression.

Conclusions:

  • The frequency of ultrasound monitoring is determined by hemorrhage severity.
  • Ventriculomegaly/hydrocephalus and surrounding brain parenchyma influence monitoring protocols.
  • Timely ultrasound assessment is crucial for preventing long-term disabilities in premature infants.
Abstract

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