Öz

Objective: Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) remains one of the most important complications associated with prematurity and is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the frequency of GMH-IVH and to evaluate prenatal, natal, and postnatal factors associated with its development in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included preterm infants with a gestational age between 24 and 32 weeks and a birth weight ≤1500 g who were followed in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary referral center. Cranial ultrasonography, performed within the first 72 hours of life and repeated at the end of the first week, was used to diagnose and grade GMH-IVH according to the Volpe classification. Demographic characteristics, maternal factors, delivery characteristics, and early postnatal clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Infants were grouped according to the presence of GMH-IVH and the severity of hemorrhage.

Results: A total of 312 preterm infants were included in the study. GMH-IVH was detected in 49.7% of the infants. Among these, 83 (53.5%) had mild hemorrhage (Grade 1–2) and 72 (46.5%) had severe hemorrhage (Grade 3–4). Lower gestational age, lower birth weight, absence of antenatal steroid use, lower Apgar scores, requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation, presence of patent ductus arteriosus, and abnormalities in coagulation parameters were significantly associated with GMH-IVH.

Conclusion: GMH-IVH in preterm infants is a multifactorial condition associated with several prenatal and postnatal factors. However, the retrospective design precludes establishing causality. Our findings highlight the strong association with postnatal clinical instability, particularly invasive mechanical ventilation and PDA treatment, suggesting that these are critical markers of illness severity. Identification of modifiable factors and optimization of perinatal and neonatal care may contribute to reducing the incidence and severity of GMH-IVH in this vulnerable population.

 

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Nasıl atıf yapılır

1.
Zorlukus Altın I, Tayman C. Germinal Matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants: Frequency, associated factors, and the role of postnatal clinical course. Turk J Pediatr Dis. 2026;Early View:1-8. https://doi.org/10.12956/TJPD.2026.1325