Frequency of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants

ABSTRACT

To determine frequency of IVH in premature infants delivered at Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Descriptive study. The study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Military Hospital Rawalpindi. From September 2006 to February 2007. In this study 100 premature babies were included. High frequency ultrasound was used for evaluating IVH because of its non-invasive nature, easy availability and conveniences. A total of 100 babies were included in the study. Sixty-one babies were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery [SVD] while 39 babies by lower segment cesarean section [LSCS]. Mean gestational age was 32.3 +/- 2.12 weeks. Mean birth weight of the babies was 1637.7 +/- 349.25 grams. Total 11 cases of IVH were detected in study. Frequency of IVH was 11% in premature infants. We suggest that any premature infant born before 32 weeks gestation or weighing <1500g should be evaluated for IVH by cranial ultrasound