Intracranial hemorrhage in the preterm infant: understanding it, preventing it

Abstract

New discoveries in neonatal imaging, cerebral monitoring, and hemodynamics, and greater understanding of inflammatory and genetic mechanisms involved in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in the preterm infant are creating opportunities for innovative early detection and prevention approaches. This article covers the spectrum of ICH in the preterm infant, including germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage, its complications, and associated phenomena, such as the emerging role of cerebellar hemorrhage. The overall aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of the mechanisms, diagnosis, outcome, and management of preterm ICH; to revisit the origins from which they develop; and to discuss future expectations.