Predictive factors in the genesis of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants

Intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn (IVH) is a common complication of prematurity, especially of those infants with birth weights of less than 1500 grams. It may be associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and even death. We did a retrospective study of infants born with birth weights of less than 1500 grams during the period of January 1989 to January 1990 who had head sonograms done during the newborn period. A total of 37 patients were identified. The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors associated to IVH. Risk factors considered were those related to pregnancy and delivery complications and perinatal and postnatal events. Patients were classified according to type of IVH into mild and severe. The overall incidence of IVH was 43% (16/37). The incidence of severe IVH was 30%. Pregnancy and delivery complications were not related to the development of IVH. None of the perinatal factors were associated with IVH. Of the neonatal factors, hypertension per se was not associated with severe IVH, but the fluctuations in mean blood pressure (MAP) during the first 72 hours of life were significantly different in infants with mild IVH as compared to infant with severe IVH, 25mmHg and 40mmHg respectively.