Hemorragia periventricular, intraventricular e mecanismos associados à lesão em recém-nascidos pré-termos

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.