European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSOCIATION OF VARIOUS RISK FACTORS FOR INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE IN PREMATURE NEONATES

*Sheikh Quyoom Hussain, Juvera Gul Wani and Waseem Rafiq

ABSTRACT

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of premature (<32 weeks) deliveries, especially in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; <1500 g) neonates. Infants developing severe IVH are more prone to long-term developmental disabilities. We analyzed the risk factors for IVH in preterm VLBW neonates in tertiary hospital in Kashmir india. Methods: We included premature infants with IVH (n=92) and gestational age and birth weight-matched control group infants (n=92) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Cases were divided into mild (grades I and II; n=52) and severe (grades III and IV; n=52) IVH groups. Association of IVH with risk factors in the first week of life was investigated. Results: The following risk factors were associated with severe IVH: lack of antenatal steroid administration (P<.001), pulmonary hemorrhage (P=.023), inotrope use (P=.032), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (P=.001), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (P=.005) Journal Pre-proof. Conclusions: Failure to receive antenatal dexamethasone, PDA, hydrocortisone administration for neonatal hypotension, was associated with severe IVH in VLBW neonates. Clinicians and healthcare policy makers should consider these factors during decision-making.

Keywords: Association of IVH with risk factors in the first week of life was investigated.