RESUMO
AIM OF STUDY: Analysis of prevalence and degree of intraventricular haemorrhages in preterm infants treated at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw between 2005-2009.The results were compared with a similar analysis conducted between 1998-2002 in an effort to find an answer to the question regarding definite changes or trends of changes in this pathology over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied population comprised 350 infants born at 22-34 weeks of gestation, hospitalised between 2005-2009. These infants were compared with 354 infants treated between 1998 and 2002. Haemorrhages was diagnosed on the basis of repeated ultrasounds performed in a standard manner, through the fontanelle, according to classic rules. MR imaging was performed as required. The extent of haemorrhage was classified in stages 1 to 4. In deceased infants the stage of haemorrhage was verified on the basis of autopsy results. RESULTS: The investigations carried out between 2005 and 2009 showed haemorrhages in 174 infants (49.7%). Extensive stage 3 haemorrhages were diagnosed in 45 infants (12.9%),and grade 4 in 35 infants (10,0%). 40 infants (11,4%) died during hospitalization. Autopsy was conducted in 26 deceased infants (65%); in 18 cases (69%) the diagnosis was confirmed and in no case was the diagnosis regarding the extent of haemorrhage changed. Studies carried out in the period 1998-2002 revealed haemmorhages in 248 infants (70%), including stage 3 in 67 infants (19%), and stage 4 in 34 infants (10%). 93 infants died during hospitalisation. Prevalence of all types of peri- intraventricular haemorrhages (PVH/IVH) is currently significantly lower, but the prevalence of extensive haemorrhages of grade 4 has not decreased. The number of deaths has decreased by half, although at present more infants with grade 4 haemorrhages survive. Comparison of prevalence of (PVH/IVH) of all grades in both cohorts of infants born up to 34 weeks of gestation in different periods, i.e. 1998-2002 and 2005-2009, shows a statistically significant decrease. However, the comparison of prevalence of extensive IVH of grade 4, does not show a statistically significant decrease. The percentage of women with threatened pregnancy who recieved corticotheraphy was 64.2%. This is still definitely too low. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Statistically significant decrease in the prevalence and the severity of peri-intraventricular haemorrhage in the analysis carried out between 2005 and 2009 is a positive conclusion. A negative finding is the fact that the incidence of IV degree intraventricular haemorrhage, does not show a falling trend. 2. A fall in the number of deaths in the population of premature infants born in our Department can be the result of significantly improved medical care in the compared groups. 3. In both cohorts still insufficient percentage of pregnant women receiving prenatal corticosteroids in cases of high risk pregnancy, could be linked with unsatisfactory prophylactie perinatal care. This could lead to lack of improvement in the incidence of IV degree intraventricular haemorrhage. 4. The existing data base in Poland on the incidence of PVH/IVH in the risk group, is insufficient for comparison with European Union Countries data in the EuroNeoNet. The significance of this pathology on individual, social and economic levels, creates a need to carry out periodical analysis, at regional level, concerning its incidence, causes and effects.