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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
[Prevalence and risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. A systematic review]
G J Romero-Guzman1, F Lopez-Munoz2
1Hospital Comarcal de Melilla, Melilla, Espana.
Insights
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) prevalence in preterm infants varies significantly, increasing with prematurity. Magnetic resonance imaging offers better detection than ultrasound, with gestational age being a key risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Existing data on PVL prevalence and risk factors show considerable disparity.
- A comprehensive understanding is crucial for improving clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare the prevalence of PVL in preterm infants.
- To identify and analyze the primary risk factors associated with PVL.
- To address the heterogeneity in current literature.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies from the past 20 years.
- Searched multiple databases using terms: periventricular leukomalacia, prevalence, risk factors, premature birth.
- Included studies reporting PVL prevalence or risk factors, with stratified analysis by diagnostic technique and gestational age.
Main Results:
- 107 studies were selected from 209 identified.
- PVL prevalence: 14.7% (ultrasound) vs. 32.8% (magnetic resonance imaging).
- Prevalence increases with lower gestational age: 39.6% (<28 weeks), 27.4% (<32 weeks), 7.3% (<37 weeks).
- Key risk factors: gestational age, intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis.
Conclusions:
- PVL prevalence in preterm infants is heterogeneous and strongly correlated with gestational age.
- Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive for PVL detection compared to ultrasound.
- Gestational age is the most significant risk factor for PVL presentation.
Introduction:
There is a huge disparity in the description of the prevalence and risk factors of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants.
Aims:
To describe and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants, as well as to determine the main risk factors associated with its presentation.
Subjects And Methods:
A systematic review was conducted consulting multiple databases of the last 20 years. The search terms were: periventricular leukomalacia, prevalence, risk factors and premature birth. We included all studies that mention or led to the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia and those that referred to its risk factors.
Results:
Of the 209 studies identified, we selected 107 studies in which the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia was mentioned or the risk factors were described. A stratified analysis was performed for the diagnostic technique and gestational age, in addition to a narrative synthesis. Ultrasound detected a prevalence of 14.7% and magnetic resonance of 32.8%. Prevalence in children under 28 weeks was 39.6%; 27.4% in children under 32 weeks and 7.3% in children under 37 weeks. Risk factors include gestational age, intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants is heterogeneous, increases according to the degree of prematurity and is better detected by magnetic resonance. There are multiple factors related to its presentation, the main factor is gestational age.
