[Brain injury in the premature infant--current concepts on prevention and treatment strategy]

The frequency of neurological abnormalities in premature newborns is about 20%. The probability of these deficiencies increases up to 45% in the group with abnormal sonographic evaluation. Particularly unfavourable prognosis is connected with grade III and IV intraventricular haemorrhages and periventricular leukomalacia. Current concepts on possible prevention strategies in this pathology are presented.