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Transient periventricular echodensities in preterms and neurodevelopmental outcome
Francesco Pisani1, Luisa Leali, Sabrina Moretti
1Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. francesco.pisani@unipr.it
Journal of Child Neurology
|August 12, 2006
Summary
Preterm infants with transient periventricular echodensities show normal neurodevelopment, similar to those without brain abnormalities. This finding indicates transient echodensities do not negatively impact long-term infant development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Transient periventricular echodensities (PVH) are common in preterm infants.
- Limited data exists on the clinical evolution and neurologic sequelae of transient PVH.
- Assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with PVH is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants diagnosed with transient periventricular echodensities.
- To compare outcomes between infants with transient PVH, persistent PVH, and no ultrasound abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Cerebral ultrasonography was performed on preterm infants (< or = 37 weeks' gestational age) within 72 hours of birth.
- Ultrasound scans were repeated regularly until 40 weeks' postconceptional age.
- Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale at multiple time points up to 12 months corrected age.
Main Results:
- Infants without ultrasound abnormalities had 88.5% normal neurodevelopment.
- Infants with transient PVH showed 94% normal neurodevelopment.
- Infants with persistent PVH had a significantly lower favorable outcome rate (22.2%).
Conclusions:
- Transient periventricular echodensities in preterm infants are associated with a neurodevelopmental outcome comparable to infants with normal brain ultrasounds.
- Persistent echodensities are linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- This study highlights the generally benign nature of transient PVH on infant neurodevelopment.
