Bleeding within the brain
Treatments for PVH
Very preterm babies (less than 30 weeks) have fragile blood vessels within their brains. This makes them susceptible to experiencing a degree of bleeding within their brain. This is known as a 'periventricular haemorrhage' (or PVH) or an 'intraventricular haemorrhage' (or IVH). Up to 20% of babies less than 30 weeks will experience this complication.
The causes of such haemorrhages are not completely understood. They could be due to a reduction in oxygen available to the baby either before or soon after the birth or due to fluctuations in the baby's blood pressure. They will usually develop within 6 to 72 hours after the baby's birth.
The haemorrhages are usually detectable by the baby having a head ultrasound. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, many babies with detectable haemorrhages on ultrasound will recover without any problems. A few babies experiencing this complication (especially if very small and very preterm) can have a range of long term mental development problems. For example delays in reaching physical and mental milestones or cerebral palsy.
The bleeding is classified into 4 grades. Grades 1 and 2 hold good prospects for a full recovery. Grades 4 and 5 are more likely to be associated with longer term health problems.
Treatments for PVH. Mothers who are suspected of possibly giving birth to preterm baby(s) less than 34 weeks are usually given injections of
steroids 24 to 48 hours before the birth. These injections help 'mature' the baby's lungs for breathing but can also decrease the chances of the baby(s) developing bleeding in the brain.
There have been many proposed treatments for PVH but none have proven to be completely effective. It is often a process of 'waiting and seeing' how the baby recovers.
Inflammation of the bowel
Physical signs of NEC
Treatments for NEC