Acute impact of posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation on cerebral oxygenation in preterm infants with intraventricular haemorrhage.

AIM: To assess the effect of ventricular decompression on cerebral oxygenation in preterm neonates with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). METHODS: Fifty-three preterm neonates born <34 weeks' gestation between 2013 and 2023 with IVH and subsequent PHVD were prospectively included. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) as well as fractional cerebral tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) were analysed 2 weeks before and after ventricular decompression. RESULTS: Ventricular decompression was performed at 18 ± 6 days of life. Patients with repeated lumbar punctures prior to ventricular drainage showed consistently higher rScO2 and lower cFTOE levels 2 weeks before and after intervention compared to those without. Patients who underwent direct ventricular drainage showed an immediate increase in rScO2 levels on the day of the procedure. In patients who underwent prior lumbar punctures, ventricular decompression did not yield additional acute effects on cerebral oxygenation. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent repeated lumbar punctures preceding ventricular drainage consistently maintained higher rScO2 and lower cFTOE levels during the study period. In these patients, ventricular decompression did not further affect cerebral oxygenation, as they already demonstrated improved cerebral hemodynamics, whereas an immediate improvement was observed in those without prior lumbar punctures.

Long-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage: a nationwide population study from 2011 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in neonatal care have increased preterm infant survival but paradoxically raised intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates. This study explores IVH prevalence and long-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Korea over a decade. METHODS: Using Korean National Health Insurance data (NHIS, 2010-2019), we identified 3372 VLBW infants with IVH among 4,129,808 live births. Health-related claims data, encompassing diagnostic codes, diagnostic test costs, and administered procedures were sourced from the NHIS database. The results of the developmental assessments  are categorized into four groups based on standard deviation (SD) scores. Neonatal characteristics and complications were compared among the groups. Logistic regression models were employed to identify significant changes in the incidence of complications and to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for each risk factor associated with mortality and morbidity in IVH. Long-term growth and development were compared between the two groups (years 2010-2013 and 2014-2017). RESULTS: IVH prevalence was 12% in VLBW and 16% in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Over the past decade, IVH rates increased significantly in ELBW infants (P = 0.0113), while mortality decreased (P = 0.0225). Major improvements in certain neurodevelopmental outcomes and reductions in early morbidities have been observed among VLBW infants with IVH. Ten percent of the population received surgical treatments such as external ventricular drainage (EVD) or a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, with the choice of treatment methods remaining consistent over time. The IVH with surgical intervention group exhibited higher incidences of delayed development, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and growth failure (height, weight, and head circumference) up to 72 months of age (P < 0.0001). Surgical treatments were also significantly associated with abnormal developmental screening test results. CONCLUSIONS: The neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with IVH, especially those subjected to surgical treatments, continue to be a matter of concern. It is imperative to prioritize specialized care for patients receiving surgical treatments and closely monitor their growth and development after discharge to improve developmental prognosis. Supplementary file2 (MP4 77987 kb).

Ultrasonic Diagnosis and Management of Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation in Premature Infants: A Narrative Review.

The survival rate of preterm infants is increasing as a result of technological advances. The incidence of intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH) in preterm infants ranges from 25% to 30%, of which 30% to 50% are severe IVH (Volpe III-IV, Volpe III is defined as intraventricular bleeding occupying more than 50% of the ventricular width and acute lateral ventricle dilatation, Volpe IV is defined as intraventricular hemorrhage combined with venous infarction) and probably lead to posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD). Severe IVH and subsequent PHVD have become the leading causes of brain injury and neurodevelopmental dysplasia in preterm infants. This review aims to review the literature on the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for PHVD and provide some recommendations for management to improve the neurological outcomes.

Corpus callosum injury after neurosurgical intervention for posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and association with neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.

OBJECTIVE: Direct injury to the corpus callosum (CC) due to neurosurgical interventions in infants with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) has not been reported in the literature. The authors observed a subset of infants who had suffered penetrating CC injury after neurosurgical interventions for PHVD and hypothesized that this pattern of injury may result in suboptimal CC maturation and neurodevelopmental impairment. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, 100 preterm and 17 full-term infants with PHVD were included and compared with 23 preterm controls. Both neonatal and postneonatal brain MRI scans were assessed for injury, and measurements were performed on postneonatal MRI scans at 2 years' corrected age. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 2 years' corrected age. RESULTS: A total of 269 brain MRI scans of 140 infants were included. Of infants with PHVD, 48 (41%) had penetrating CC injury following neurosurgical interventions. The median (IQR) CC midsagittal surface area was smaller in infants with CC injury when compared with infants with PHVD who had intact CC and controls (190 mm2 [149-262 mm2] vs 268 mm2 [206-318 mm2] vs 289 mm2 [246-320 mm2], respectively; p < 0.001). In the univariate analysis, the area of the CC was associated with cognitive Z score (coefficient 0.009 [95% CI 0.005-0.012], p < 0.001) and motor Z score (coefficient 0.009 [95% CI 0.006-0.012], p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, CC injury was not independently associated with cognitive and motor Z score after adjusting for gestational age and presence of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (coefficient 0.04 [95% CI -0.36 to 0.46] and -0.37 [95% CI -0.83 to 0.09], p = 0.7 and 0.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CC injury was not uncommon following neurosurgical interventions for PHVD in both preterm and full-term infants. At the age of 2 years, the CC midsagittal surface area was smaller in infants with injury, but CC injury was not independently associated with cognitive and motor outcomes at 2 years' corrected age.

Intraparenchymal hemorrhage after serial ventricular reservoir taps in neonates with hydrocephalus and association with neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressing the ventricles with a temporary device is often the initial neurosurgical intervention for preterm infants with hydrocephalus. The authors observed a subgroup of infants who developed intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) after serial ventricular reservoir taps and sought to describe the characteristics of IPH and its association with neurodevelopmental outcome. METHODS: In this multicenter, case-control study, for each neonate with periventricular and/or subcortical IPH, a gestational age-matched control with reservoir who did not develop IPH was selected. Digital cranial ultrasound (cUS) scans and term-equivalent age (TEA)-MRI (TEA-MRI) studies were assessed. Ventricular measurements were recorded prior to and 3 days and 7 days after reservoir insertion. Changes in ventricular volumes were calculated. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 2 years corrected age using standardized tests. RESULTS: Eighteen infants with IPH (mean gestational age 30.0 ± 4.3 weeks) and 18 matched controls were included. Reduction of the ventricular volumes relative to occipitofrontal head circumference after 7 days of reservoir taps was greater in infants with IPH (mean difference -0.19 [95% CI -0.37 to -0.004], p = 0.04). Cognitive and motor Z-scores were similar in infants with and those without IPH (mean difference 0.42 [95% CI -0.17 to 1.01] and 0.58 [95% CI -0.03 to 1.2]; p = 0.2 and 0.06, respectively). Multifocal IPH was negatively associated with cognitive score (coefficient -0.51 [95% CI -0.88 to -0.14], p = 0.009) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt with motor score (coefficient -0.50 [95% CI -1.6 to -0.14], p = 0.02) after adjusting for age at the time of assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports for the first time that IPH can occur after a rapid reduction of the ventricular volume during the 1st week after the initiation of serial reservoir taps in neonates with hydrocephalus. Further studies on the use of cUS to guide the amount of cerebrospinal fluid removal are warranted.

Management of Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Although there are several successful treatment options available today, the optimal management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) still remains undetermined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of contemporary treatment methods and to define current evidence-based management for PHH in premature infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature was reviewed to identify and analyze merits and demerits of the currently available temporizing measures and definitive treatment for premature low-birth weight babies with PHH. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Advances in treatment and increased experience have led to redefinition of treatment goals to optimize cognitive neurodevelopment, and quality of life in these premature infants with PHH. Current literature favors early diagnosis and intervention using temporizing measures, and prevention of future complications of PHH with a permanent CSF diversion method such as ventricular shunting or endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm babies.

Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is a major complication of prematurity and inversely associated with gestational age and birth weight. The hemorrhage originates from the germinal matrix with an immature capillary bed where vascularization is intense and active cell proliferation is high. It occurs in around 20% of very low-birth-weight preterm neonates. Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage is less common in females, the black race, and with antenatal steroid use, but is more common in the presence of mechanical ventilation, respiratory distress, pulmonary bleeding, pneumothorax, chorioamnionitis, asphyxia, and sepsis. Ultrasonography is the diagnostic tool of choice for intraventricular hemorrhage and its complications. Approximately 25-50% of the germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage cases are asymptomatic and diagnosed during routine screening. These cases are usually patients with low-grade hemorrhage. Neurologic findings are prominent in severe intraventricular hemorrhage cases. The major complications of the germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm babies are periventricular hemorrhagic infarction, posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation, periventricular leukomalacia, and cerebellar hemorrhage. It is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. The management of hemodynamics and ventilation of patients, appropriate follow-up, and early diagnosis and treatment can minimize morbidity. Prognosis in intraventricular hemorrhage is related to the severity of bleeding, parenchymal damage, and the presence of seizures and shunt surgery. The main determinant of prognosis is periventricular hemorrhagic infarction and its severity. Moderate-severe intraventricular hemorrhage can cause posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation. Even mild germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage can result in developmental disorders. Long-term problems such as neurodevelopmental disorders and cerebral palsy are as important as short-term problems. Improving the quality of life of these babies should be aimed through appropriate treatment and follow-up. In this review, intraventricular hemorrhage and complications are discussed.

Randomized Controlled Early versus Late Ventricular Intervention Study in Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation: Outcome at 2 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of intervention at low vs high threshold of ventriculomegaly in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation on death or severe neurodevelopmental disability. STUDY DESIGN: This multicenter randomized controlled trial reviewed lumbar punctures initiated after either a low threshold (ventricular index of >p97 and anterior horn width of >6 mm) or high threshold (ventricular index of >p97 + 4 mm and anterior horn width of >10 mm). The composite adverse outcome was defined as death or cerebral palsy or Bayley composite cognitive/motor scores <-2 SDs at 24 months corrected age. RESULTS: Outcomes were assessed in 113 of 126 infants. The composite adverse outcome was seen in 20 of 58 infants (35%) in the low threshold group and 28 of 55 (51%) in the high threshold (P = .07). The low threshold intervention was associated with a decreased risk of an adverse outcome after correcting for gestational age, severity of intraventricular hemorrhage, and cerebellar hemorrhage (aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.87; P = .03). Infants with a favorable outcome had a smaller fronto-occipital horn ratio (crude mean difference, -0.06; 95% CI, -0.09 to -0.03; P < .001) at term-equivalent age. Infants in the low threshold group with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, had cognitive and motor scores similar to those without (P = .3 for both), whereas in the high threshold group those with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt had significantly lower scores than those without a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (P = .01 and P = .004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a post hoc analysis, earlier intervention was associated with a lower odds of death or severe neurodevelopmental disability in preterm infants with progressive posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN43171322.

Neuroprotection Care Bundle Implementation to Decrease Acute Brain Injury in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of an evidence-based neuroprotection care bundle on the risk of brain injury in extremely preterm infants. METHODS: We implemented a neuroprotection care bundle consisting of a combination of neuroprotection interventions such as minimal handling, midline head position, deferred cord clamping, and protocolization of hemodynamic and respiratory managements. These interventions targeted risk factors for acute brain injury in extremely preterm infants (born at gestational age less than 29 weeks) during the first three days of birth. Implementation occurred in a stepwise manner, including care bundle development by a multidisciplinary care team based on previous evidence and experience, standardization of outcome assessment tools, and education. We compared the incidence of the composite outcome of acute preterm brain injury or death preimplementation and postimplementation. RESULTS: Neuroprotection care bundle implementation associated with a significant reduction in acute brain injury risk factors such as the use of inotropes (24% before, 7% after, P value < 0.001) and fluid boluses (37% before, 19% after, P value < 0.001), pneumothorax (5% before, 2% after, P value = 0.002), and opioid use (19% before, 7% after, P value < 0.001). Adjusting for confounding factors, the neuroprotection care bundle significantly reduced death or severe brain injury (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.59; P value < 0.001) and severe brain injury (adjusted odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.58; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of neuroprotection care bundle targeting predefined risk factors is feasible and effective in reducing acute brain injury in extremely preterm infants.

Early neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and hydrocephalus: Neonatal ICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale and imaging predict 3-6-month motor quotients and Capute Scales.

OBJECTIVE: Brain injury remains a serious complication of prematurity. Almost half of infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) develop posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) and 20% need surgery for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). This population is associated with an increased risk of later neurodevelopmental disability, but there is uncertainty about which radiological and examination features predict later disability. In this study the authors sought to devise and describe a novel combination of neurobehavioral examination and imaging for prediction of neurodevelopmental disability among preterm infants with PHVD and PHH. METHODS: The study patients were preterm infants (< 36 weeks gestation) with IVH and PHVD, with or without PHH. Ventricular index (VI), anterior horn width (AHW), thalamooccipital distance (TOD), ventricle/brain (V/B) ratio, and resistive indices (RIs) were recorded on the head ultrasound (HUS) just prior to surgery, or the HUS capturing the worst PHVD when surgery was not indicated. The posterior fossa was assessed with MRI. Neonatal ICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) examinations were performed at term age equivalent for each infant. A neurodevelopmental assessment using the Capute Scales (Capute Cognitive Adaptive Test [CAT] scores and Capute Clinical Linguistic Auditory Milestone Scale [CLAMS] scores) and a motor quotient (MQ) assessment were performed between 3 and 6 months of age corrected for degree of prematurity (corrected age). MQs < 50 reflect moderate to severe delays in early motor milestone attainment, CAT scores < 85 reflect delays in early visual and problem-solving abilities, and CLAMS scores < 85 reflect delays in early language. RESULTS: Twenty-one infants underwent assessments that included imaging and NNNS examinations, Capute Scales assessments, and MQs. NNNS nonoptimal reflexes (NOR) and hypertonicity subscores and AHW were associated with MQs < 50: NOR subscore OR 2.46 (95% CI 1.15-37.6, p = 0.034), hypertonicity subscore OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.04-3.78, p = 0.037), and AHW OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.01-1.39, p = 0.041). PVHI, cystic changes, and neurosurgical intervention were associated with CAT scores < 85: PVHI OR 9.2 (95% CI 1.2-73.2, p = 0.037); cystic changes OR 12.0 (95% CI 1.0-141.3, p = 0.048), and neurosurgical intervention OR 11.2 (95% CI 1.0-120.4, p = 0.046). Every 1-SD increase in the NOR subscore was associated with an increase in odds of a CAT score < 85, OR 4.0 (95% CI 1.0-15.0, p = 0.044). Worse NNNS NOR subscores were associated with early language delay: for a 1-SD increase in NOR subscore, there was an increase in the odds of a CLAMS score < 85, OR 19.5 (95% CI 1.3-303, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: In former preterm children with severe IVH and PHVD, neonatal neurological examination findings and imaging features are associated with delays at 3-6 months in motor milestones, visual and problem-solving abilities, and language.

Assessment of Brain Injury and Brain Volumes after Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation: A Nested Substudy of the Randomized Controlled ELVIS Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of early and late intervention for posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation on additional brain injury and ventricular volume using term-equivalent age-MRI. STUDY DESIGN: In the Early vs Late Ventricular Intervention Study (ELVIS) trial, 126 preterm infants ≤34 weeks of gestation with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation were randomized to low-threshold (ventricular index >p97 and anterior horn width >6 mm) or high-threshold (ventricular index >p97 + 4 mm and anterior horn width >10 mm) groups. In 88 of those (80%) with a term-equivalent age-MRI, the Kidokoro Global Brain Abnormality Score and the frontal and occipital horn ratio were measured. Automatic segmentation was used for volumetric analysis. RESULTS: The total Kidokoro score of the infants in the low-threshold group (n = 44) was lower than in the high-threshold group (n = 44; median, 8 [IQR, 5-12] vs median 12 [IQR, 9-17], respectively; P < .001). More infants in the low-threshold group had a normal or mildly increased score vs more infants in the high-threshold group with a moderately or severely increased score (46% vs 11% and 89% vs 54%, respectively; P = .002). The frontal and occipital horn ratio was lower in the low-threshold group (median, 0.42 [IQR, 0.34-0.63]) than the high-threshold group (median 0.48 [IQR, 0.37-0.68], respectively; P = .001). Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid volumes could be calculated in 47 infants and were smaller in the low-threshold group (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: More brain injury and larger ventricular volumes were demonstrated in the high vs the low-threshold group. These results support the positive effects of early intervention for posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN43171322.

The changes of cerebrospinal fluid non-protein-bound iron and malondialdehyde(MDA) in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) after serial lumbar punctures / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) non-protein-bound iron and malondialdehyde(MDA) in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) after serial lumbar punctures.Methods Non-protein-bound iron and MDA of CSF in twenty severe IVH preterm infants with first and end lumbar puncture were examined respectively.The control samples were determined for once from first to second week after birth.Results Both Non-protein-bound iron and MDA levels of the first CSF sample in twenty severe IVH preterm infants were higher than that in control[(0.66±0.38)μmol/L vs (0.24±0.12)μmol/L(P<0.01);(1.21±0.41)μmol/L vs (0.89±0.35)μmol/L(P<0.05)].Non-protein-bound iron levels of first and end CSF sample in severe IVH with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) were both higher than those without PHVD [(0.75±0.34)μmol/L vs (0.54±0.31)μmol/L;(0.57±0.21)μmol/L vs (0.35±0.18)μmol/L](P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in MDA levels between both groups.The levels of non-protein-bound iron of end CSF in severe IVH with and without PHVD were significantly lower than those of the first CSF samples (P<0.05),while,there was no significant difference in MDA levels between the end and first CSF samples.Conclusion The non-protein-bound iron and MDA of CSF in severe IVH preterm infants were both significantly increased,non-protein-bound iron and oxygen free radicals may be involved in the preterm brain injury.Serial lumbar punctures can lower the levels of non-protein-bound iron in CSF.