[Prevalence and risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. A systematic review].

INTRODUCTION

There is a huge disparity in the description of the prevalence and risk factors of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants.

AIMS

To describe and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants, as well as to determine the main risk factors associated with its presentation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted consulting multiple databases of the last 20 years. The search terms were: periventricular leukomalacia, prevalence, risk factors and premature birth. We included all studies that mention or led to the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia and those that referred to its risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 209 studies identified, we selected 107 studies in which the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia was mentioned or the risk factors were described. A stratified analysis was performed for the diagnostic technique and gestational age, in addition to a narrative synthesis. Ultrasound detected a prevalence of 14.7% and magnetic resonance of 32.8%. Prevalence in children under 28 weeks was 39.6%; 27.4% in children under 32 weeks and 7.3% in children under 37 weeks. Risk factors include gestational age, intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants is heterogeneous, increases according to the degree of prematurity and is better detected by magnetic resonance. There are multiple factors related to its presentation, the main factor is gestational age.