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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Periventricular leukomalacia in premature infants in mainland China
Jing Liu1, Jian Li, Gui-Lian Qin
1Department of Neonatology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Liuzhuokun@hotmail.com
Insights
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) affects 29.4% of premature infants in China. Risk factors include low birth weight and complications, but antenatal corticosteroids can reduce PVL incidence.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Pediatric neurodevelopment
- Public health in China
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a leading cause of death and disability in premature infants.
- Data on PVL incidence and risk factors in China, a major developing nation, is lacking.
- Understanding PVL epidemiology is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence rate of PVL in premature infants in China.
- To identify high-risk factors associated with PVL development.
- To propose a prevention protocol for newborns at risk of PVL.
Main Methods:
- A cohort prospective study involving 921 premature infants (< 37 weeks' gestation) from January 2004 to July 2007.
- Infants were divided into a study group (271 with ultrasound-diagnosed PVL) and a control group (650 without PVL).
- Data collected included gestational age, birth weight, complications, and interventions.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of PVL in premature infants in China was 29.4%.
- Low-degree PVL constituted over 88% of cases, while high-degree PVL was less than 12%.
- Higher PVL incidence was linked to low gestational age, low birth weight, prolonged membrane rupture, chorionitis, mechanical ventilation, periventricular-ventricular hemorrhage, hypocapnia, and hyperlactacidemia.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal corticosteroid administration significantly reduced the incidence of PVL.
- Identifying and managing risk factors like low gestational age and specific complications can aid PVL prevention.
- This study provides a foundation for developing preventative measures against PVL in premature infants in China.
Abstract:
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in premature infants is a major cause of mortality and disability. However, while China is the largest developing country, there is an absence of data concerning PVL. This study was carried out in order to explore the incidence rate and analyze the high-risk factors of PVL in premature infants, and to suggest a working protocol for the prevention of PVL in newborns at risk. The cohort prospective study included 921 premature infants < 37 weeks' gestation from January 2004 to July 2007. The study group was comprised of 271 premature infants with an ultrasound diagnosis of PVL and the control group was comprised of 650 premature infants who were submitted to the same evaluation protocol but did not show any echographic signs of PVL. The results showed that the incidence rate of PVL was 29.4% in China. High-degree PVL accounted for < 12% and > 88% of PVL was low-degree. The incidence rate was much higher when premature infants were accompanied by the following complications: low gestational age, low birth weight, prolonged rupture of membranes, chorionitis, mechanical ventilation, periventricular-ventricular hemorrhage, hypocapnia, and hyperlactacidemia. Severe complications that occur in premature infants also significantly increase the incidence of PVL. Antenatal corticosteroids can significantly decrease the incidence rate of PVL. This investigation provided a theoretical reference for the prevention of premature PVL.
