Intraventricular, periventricular hemorrhage and mechanisms associated to the lesion in preterm newborns

The main purpose of this review was to analyze the incidence of periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) and associated mechanisms such as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns. The data were obtained at the Division of Rehabilitation Medicine (DMR- HCFMUSP), Umarizal Rehabilitation Center, from January 2004 to July 2005 and compared to the specialized literature. Each patient was thoroughly analyzed and the following variables were correlated: age at the triage, diagnosis, gestational age at birth, birth weight, etiology and gender. The results were significant for some variables: 46% (13) were aged 1 to 2 years at the triage; 14% (4) had a diagnosis of PIVH and 46% (13) of PVL; 32% (9) had gestational age of 24 to 26 weeks at birth; 36% (10) had birth weight of 2,000 to 3,000g; 30% (8) presented an etiology of sepsis and 75% (21) of the patients were males. Considering the data obtained, a multidisciplinary intervention is important to improve survival of these at-risk or impaired newborns through preventive actions, by providing adequate stimulation, averting further damage and allowing maximum development of the child’s potential.