Intracranial hemorrhage in the premature. Its predictive features and outcome
N. Kosmetatos, C. Dinter, M. L. Williams, H. Lourie and A. S. Berne
Sixty-four infants with birth weights of 500 to 1,500 g were studied to
determine the incidence and outcome of intracranial hemorrhage.
Thirty-seven (58%) had hemorrhage and of these 60% died. Of the survivors,
progressive hydrocephalus requiring treatment developed in only two
infants. Serial computerized tomographic scans with measurement of
ventricular-brain width ratios were found to be useful in objectively
evaluating hydrocephalus. Review of perinatal data showed no association of
maternal or obstetrical factors with neonatal hemorrhage but the infants
who had intracranial bleeding showed a high incidence of low Apgar scores,
respiratory distress syndrome, acidosis, hypoxia, apnea, hypotension,
seizures, and requirement for respiratory support. Multiple regression
analysis of potentially causative factors assigned importance to low
gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, birth asphyxia (low Apgar
score), and vaginal delivery.
