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Visual development in infants with prenatal post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation
Daniela Ricci1, Rita Luciano, Giovanni Baranello
1Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Visual function is frequently impaired in infants with prenatal post haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Severe deficits were observed in those with significant intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and early epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Prenatal post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is a serious complication of prematurity.
- Visual impairment can significantly impact developmental outcomes in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate visual function in infants diagnosed with prenatal PHVD.
- To correlate visual outcomes with lesion severity and neurological comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 13 infants with prenatal PHVD was assessed.
- Visual function was evaluated at 5, 12, and 24 months using specialized infant tests.
- Findings were correlated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade and epilepsy presence.
Main Results:
- Over 60% of infants exhibited visual function abnormalities by age 2 years.
- Abnormalities ranged from ocular motor deficits to severe, global visual impairment.
- Infants with Grade IV IVH, shunted hydrocephalus, and early epilepsy showed the most severe, persistent visual deficits.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal PHVD frequently leads to significant visual dysfunction in infancy.
- Early epilepsy and severe IVH with hydrocephalus are associated with poorer visual prognosis.
- Comprehensive visual assessment is crucial for infants with PHVD to guide early intervention.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess visual function in 13 infants with evidence of prenatal post haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation.
Design:
Infants were assessed at 5, 12 and 24 months using a battery of tests specifically designed to assess various aspects of visual function in infancy. Visual findings were correlated with several variables, including extent of the lesion and presence of epilepsy.
Results And Conclusions:
Abnormalities of visual function were frequent (over 60%) in our cohort at age 2 years, ranging from isolated abnormal ocular movements to severe abnormalities of all the aspects of visual function assessed. The most severe and persistent abnormalities of visual function were found in infants with grade IV intraventricular haemorrhage and shunted hydrocephalus who also had epilepsy in the first year.
