Intracranial dynamics in pre-term infants and neonates: implications for physiotherapists

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Physiology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Physiotherapy

Background:

• Cerebral circulation and intracranial dynamics in neonates (pre-term and full-term) significantly differ from adults.
• Neonatal nervous system immaturity, clinical conditions, and iatrogenic factors increase susceptibility to cerebral lesions, impacting morbidity.
• Physiotherapists are increasingly involved in neonatology, necessitating an understanding of neonatal neurodevelopmental risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe intracranial dynamics in pre-term and full-term infants.
• To illustrate how these dynamics interact with clinical factors to cause cerebral lesions.
• To review studies on respiratory physiotherapy's impact on intracranial dynamics and suggest future research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neonatal intracranial dynamics.
• Analysis of factors contributing to cerebral lesions in neonates.
• Examination of studies investigating respiratory physiotherapy interventions.

Main Results:

• The control of cerebral circulation and intracranial dynamics is distinct in neonates compared to adults.
• Specific risk factors predispose neonates to conditions like peri-intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia.
• The interaction between immature physiology and clinical factors can lead to significant cerebral lesions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding neonatal intracranial dynamics is vital for physiotherapists in neonatology.
• Recognizing risk factors for cerebral lesions is essential for early intervention and improved outcomes.
• Further research into the effects of physiotherapy on neonatal intracranial dynamics is warranted.