Risk factors of intraventricular hemorrhage in neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation- retrospective study

Introduction: IVH is characterized by abnormal bleeding from blood vessels into the ventricles of the brain, predominantly found in infants born prior to 34 weeks of gestation. Associated risk factors of IVH in premature neonates were assessed to build a base for the development of prevention strategies. Material and methods: A retrospective study were conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the BAL GOPAL CHILDREN HOSPITAL, BYRON BAZAR, RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH between august 2020 and august 2021. Neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation and admitted to level 3B NICU were included and Neonates born after 34 weeks of gestation, suspected TORCH infection, Congenital anomalies, Syndromic baby and neonates with any surgical conditions were excluded. Result: The incidence of IVH was found to be 24.5%. The lower the birth weight, higher was the risk of IVH (p= 0.0125). The incidence of IVH was higher in neonates: born by spontaneous vaginal delivery, presented with asphyxia, neonates who developed apnea, neonates with acidosis and with anaemia. There was no significantly increased risk of IVH in neonates: those who were treated for hypotension, presence of PDA, seizure, RDS and maternal risk factors like hypertension, hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus, PROM. Conclusion: There is no absolute treatment of IVH is available, identifying risk factors is important for the development of effective prevention strategies of IVH.