Perinatal ischemic stroke: a five-year retrospective study in a level-III maternity

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Neonatal stroke is a significant cause of neurological impairment in newborns.
• Understanding its incidence, presentation, and outcomes is vital for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of perinatal stroke in full-term newborns.
• To highlight the importance of early detection and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from newborns diagnosed with cerebral stroke.
• Inclusion of data from January 2007 to December 2011 at a level III maternity hospital.
• Utilized transfontanelle ultrasound and confirmed diagnoses with cerebral magnetic resonance imaging.

Main Results:

• Identified 11 cases: 9 arterial ischemic strokes and 2 cerebral venous sinus thromboses.
• Estimated incidence of arterial ischemic stroke at 1.6/5,000 births and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at 7.2/100,000 births.
• Common symptoms included seizures; 4 patients developed motor deficits and 1 epilepsy during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A high level of suspicion for neonatal stroke is necessary, especially with identified risk factors.
• Neurological sequelae underscore the need for long-term follow-up and early intervention.
• This study provides valuable insights into neonatal stroke in a specific population.