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Computed tomography of brain in symptomatic birth asphyxia
G Khanna1, R K Kapoor, P K Misra
1Department of Pediatrics, K.G. Medical College, Lucknow.
Indian Pediatrics
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scans reveal brain abnormalities in newborns experiencing asphyxia. Intraventricular hemorrhage on CT scans is linked to mortality in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Birth asphyxia is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Cranial computed tomography (CT) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating brain injury in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of CT brain abnormalities in asphyxiated newborns.
- To correlate CT findings with outcomes in term and preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 25 asphyxiated newborns (17 term, 8 preterm).
- Categorization of CT findings including hemorrhage and hypodensity.
- Correlation of CT findings with clinical outcomes and mortality.
Main Results:
- Normal CT scans were observed in 29.4% of term and 25% of preterm infants.
- Common abnormalities in term infants included intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and varying degrees of hypodensity.
- Preterm infants showed a higher incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (25%) and hypodensity.
- Mild hypodensity correlated with favorable outcomes, while moderate to severe hypodensity indicated ischemic brain injury.
- Intraventricular hemorrhage was universally associated with mortality.
Conclusions:
- CT imaging effectively identifies brain injuries in asphyxiated neonates.
- The severity of hypodensity on CT predicts neurological outcome.
- Intraventricular hemorrhage in asphyxiated newborns is a critical indicator of poor prognosis and mortality.