FREQUENCY OF INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Objective: To determine frequency of IVH in premature infants delivered at Military Hospital Rawalpindi.Study design: Descriptive study.Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Military Hospital Rawalpindi. from September 2006 to February 2007.Materials and Methods: In this study 100 premature babies were included. High frequency ultrasound was used for evaluating IVH because of its non-invasive nature, easy availability and conveniences.Results: A total of 100 babies were included in the study. Sixty-one babies were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) while 39 babies by lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Mean gestational age was 32.32.12 weeks. Mean birth weight of the babies was 1637.7349.25 grams. Total 11 cases of IVH were detected in study.Conclusion: Frequency of IVH was 11% in premature infants. We suggest that any premature infant born before 32 weeks gestation or weighing <1500g should be evaluated for IVH by cranial ultrasound.