[Periventricular leukomalacia in premature infants: from pathogenesis to treatment].

Prematurity is a major cause of cerebral palsy (CP). CP in preterm infants usually results from damage to the periventricular white matter, known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The pathogenesis of PVL is controversial, with leading models suggesting either ischemic etiology or infection and inflammation as the root cause for the disease. Advances in understanding the biology of PVL may result in clinical interventions that reduce the burden of CP.