Incidence of ICH
Incidence of ICH
Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is one of the potentially serious complications that can occur in premature neonates. Improved neonatal care over the past few decades has undoubtedly resulted in significant reductions in the incidence of ICH. Delaying preterm delivery effectively diminishes the risk of ICH. There is strong evidence that antenatal betamethasone therapy reduces the incidence of ICH in premature newborns. However, despite initial hopes, neither antenatal phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) nor phytomenadione (vitamin K1) prevent ICH.
Postnatally, indomethacin is the primary pharmacological means currently available for preventing ICH. Several studies have demonstrated an immediate benefit of ICH prevention. However, universal use of the drug is not advisable because of possible adverse effects and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The potential for other agents to prevent ICH, especially those which reduce capillary bleeding or which act as antioxidants, must be evaluated through larger trials.
Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is one of the potentially serious complications that can occur in premature neonates. Improved neonatal care over the past few decades has undoubtedly resulted in significant reductions in the incidence of ICH. Delaying preterm delivery effectively diminishes the risk of ICH. There is strong evidence that antenatal betamethasone therapy reduces the incidence of ICH in premature newborns. However, despite initial hopes, neither antenatal phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) nor phytomenadione (vitamin K1) prevent ICH.
Postnatally, indomethacin is the primary pharmacological means currently available for preventing ICH. Several studies have demonstrated an immediate benefit of ICH prevention. However, universal use of the drug is not advisable because of possible adverse effects and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The potential for other agents to prevent ICH, especially those which reduce capillary bleeding or which act as antioxidants, must be evaluated through larger trials.
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