[Hypoxic changes in the germinative subventricular layer of the brain in neonates]

The subventricular layer changes were studied in 125 brains of neonates weighing 800-3 500 g. A hypoxic encephalopathy without haemorrhage was found in 35% (basic group), negative finding was in 40% (control group); cases with ventricular and periventricular haematomas (24%) were omitted. In the basic group, 47% of cases showed subventricular layer changes. The changes occurring always combined with a hypoxic lesion of the white matter are to be taken for hypoxic ones as well. The changes were evaluated and classified into 4 descriptive findings. Cytoplasmic swelling of astroglia, rarefaction and focal as well as big irregular necroses of the subventricular layer. Acute hypoxic subventricular layer changes were discussed in connection with residual states.