New reference nomograms for the study of ventricular size in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Neurology
• Pediatric Imaging
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Transfontanellar brain ultrasound is a vital, non-invasive tool for assessing ventricular size in preterm neonates.
• Establishing age-matched reference measurements is critical for accurate interpretation of ventricular size.
• Existing reference data may not fully represent diverse neonatal populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present novel reference measurements for ventricular size in preterm infants.
• To provide a basis for standardized monitoring of neonatal ventricular development.
• To contribute to the understanding of normal ventricular dimensions in this population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study analyzed 350 ultrasound scans from 199 preterm neonates (25-45 weeks gestational age).
• Key measurements included Levene index, frontal horn thickness, and Evans index.
• Statistical analysis involved t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• Levene index distributions were normal, while frontal horn thickness distributions were not.
• No significant sex-based differences were observed in ventricular measurements.
• A linear correlation was identified between biparietal diameter and Levene index.

Conclusions:

• The study provides the first reference tables for ventricular size in preterm infants in the country.
• These tables include the 3rd, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 97th percentiles.
• The established references aid in the accurate assessment and monitoring of preterm neonates.