A prospective outcome study of neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis

Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a frequent contributor to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Treatment is controversial, and reported clinical outcomes vary widely. Newborns with radiologically confirmed neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis from 1992 to 2009 were prospectively followed in our Children's Stroke Clinic for standardized outcomes, including the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure. Outcomes were available in 90 of 104 (87%) neonates. Early outcomes included cerebral sinovenous thrombosis-associated death (5) and thrombus propagation (15 [6 associated with new venous infarcts]). Lack of anticoagulation predicted propagation (RR = 13; P = .0007). Complete thrombus recanalization occurred in 90% by 3 months. Late outcomes (median, 2.5 years) were epilepsy (15) and neurological disability (50), which included moderate-severe language (43), sensorimotor (38), and cognitive/behavioral (24) deficits. Overall, 61% had poor outcome (death/any deficit). Concurrent neurological comorbidity at diagnosis (odds ratio = 2.8; P = .029) predicted poor outcome. Clinical trials are urgently needed to establish more effective treatment strategies.