A study of periventricular haemorrhage, post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and periventricular leucomalacia in Chinese preterm infants.

Serial cranial ultrasound scans were performed in 178 preterm Chinese infants (gestation less than 35 weeks, birthweight less than 2000 g) to study the incidence, age of onset and associating risk factors of periventricular haemorrhage (PVH), and also the occurrence of post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and periventricular leucomalacia (PVL). Sixty-four infants developed haemorrhage, giving an incidence of 36%. Among infants of birthweight less than 1500 and less than 1000 g the respective incidence was 52 and 69%. Seventy-two per cent (46 of 64) of haemorrhages were initially detected within the first 3 days of life, but delayed haemorrhage occurring after 1 week of age occurred in nine infants. In eight of these infants PVH had been shortly preceded by a major clinical disaster. Eleven perinatal factors were found to be significantly associated with PVH but only systemic hypotension showed a significant independent association. Post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation developed in 17 (46%) of the 37 infants who survived for more than 1 month after PVH. This was transient in 41%, persistent but stable in 29% and progressive in 29%. PVL was detected in eight infants who survived the initial period following PVH.