ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Periventricular haemorrhagic infarction observed in premature infants is associated with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), which leads to obstruction of the terminal veins of periventricular white matter. This lesion has characteristic ultrasonographic evolution. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of occurrence of periventricular haemorrhagic infarction in premature infants in intensive care unit and to evaluate the risk factors. METHODS: A total of 203 premature infants weighing less then 1500 g at birth underwent standardized cranial ultrasound between November 1997 and June 2000. RESULTS: A total of 156 premature infants with VLBW and ELBW had IVH of various degree and 17 (8,4%) had periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PHI). 14 babies with PHI died. Among the survivors, 2 exhibit spastic hemiparesis and one had signs of tetraplegia at 6 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates, that PHI occurs more often in neonates, who required a lot of volume expansion due to systemic hypotension. Antenatal glucocorticoid administration has a protective function.
