Risk Factors for Periventricular Echodensities and Neurologic Outcome in Preterm Infants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In preterm infants with brain injury, periventricular echodensity is increased transiently or becomes cyst with neurologic sequelae. This study was done to identify the infants who need early rehabilitation treatment by evaluating the risk factors and neurologic outcome in cystic change group and transient echodensity group. METHODS: Thirty one preterm infants with periventricular echodensity on cranial ultrasonography were divided into cystic change group and transient echodensity group. The prenatal, natal, postnatal risk factors and neurologic outcome were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: The risk factors for periventricular cystic change included gestational age, ventilator use, oxygen administration, surfactant use and anemia. The risk factors for transient periventricular echodensity were the same as the cystic change group except gestational age. The development of cerebral palsy occurred in 3 cases out of 10 cases, 2 cases out of 21 cases in each group. CONCLUSION: The preterm infants with periventricular cysts or transient periventricular echodensity need to be observed closely for the development of adverse neurological outcomes especially of those with aforementioned risk factors.