Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Modeling Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage Through Intraventricular Injection of Hemoglobin
07:57

Modeling Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage Through Intraventricular Injection of Hemoglobin

Published on: August 25, 2022

Failure of autoregulation and intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants

D W Milligan

    Lancet (London, England)
    |April 26, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blood transfusions in sick newborns caused increased cerebral blood flow, indicating impaired autoregulation. This may have triggered fatal intraventricular hemorrhages in four infants shortly after the blood product transfusion.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Cardiovascular Physiology

    Background:

    • Sick newborns often experience hemodynamic instability.
    • Cerebral blood flow regulation is critical in neonates.
    • Blood product transfusions are common in neonatal intensive care.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of blood product transfusions on cerebral blood flow in sick newborns.
    • To assess cerebral autoregulation following transfusion.
    • To explore the potential link between altered cerebral blood flow and intraventricular hemorrhage.

    Main Methods:

    • Observed changes in mean arterial blood pressure in five sick newborn infants.
    • Measured cerebral blood flow following transfusion or exchange of blood products.
    • Assessed for intraventricular hemorrhage.

    Main Results:

    • Transfusions were associated with significant increases in cerebral blood flow.
    • These increases suggest a failure of cerebral autoregulation.
    • Four infants developed fatal intraventricular hemorrhage within 12 hours of the observed flow changes.

    Conclusions:

    • Blood product transfusions can disrupt cerebral blood flow regulation in sick neonates.
    • Increased cerebral blood flow following transfusion may precipitate intraventricular hemorrhage.
    • Further research is needed to optimize transfusion strategies in vulnerable newborns.

    More Related Videos

    Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography09:31

    Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

    Published on: January 27, 2023

    Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

    Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

    Published on: March 28, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    Autoregulation of Blood Flow01:17

    Autoregulation of Blood Flow

    Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
    Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
    Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
    Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

    Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

    IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
    Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

    A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

    Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

    Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

    Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...