Antenatal corticosteroid treatment for the prevention of peri-intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm newborns: a retrospective cohort study using transfontanelle ultrasonography

• Main Authors: Bianca A. Almeida, Livia T. Rios, Edward Araujo Júnior, Luciano M. Nardozza, Antonio F. Moron, Marília G. Martins
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. 2017-06-01
• Series: Journal of Ultrasonography
• Subjects: corticosteroid; intraventricular haemorrhage; prematurity; transfontanelle ultrasonograph
• Online Access: http://jultrason.pl/index.php/issues/volume-17-no-69/antenatal-corticosteroid-treatment-for-the-prevention-of-peri-intraventricular-haemorrhage-in-preterm-newborns-a-retrospective-cohort-study-using-transfontanelle-ultrasonography?aid=511

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between antenatal corticosteroids and peri-intraventricular haemorrhage (PIVH) using transfontanelle ultrasonography, as well as to evaluate the risk factors for its incidence. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using medical records of preterm newborns. The protocol for maternal corticoid administration for foetal lung maturation included dexamethasone 4 mg (intramuscular) 8/8 hours per 48 hours, with one cycle per week. The diagnosis of periintraventricular haemorrhage was based on transfontanelle ultrasonography, using the Papile’s classification. The following risk factors for peri-intraventricular haemorrhage were assessed: birth weight, gestational age at delivery, type of delivery, newborn’s sex, surfactant administration, premature rupture of membranes and previous history of infection during the current pregnancy. The student’s t-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Our sample population included 184 preterm newborns. Transfontanelle ultrasonography revealed peri-intraventricular haemorrhage in 32 (74.4%) and periventricular leukomalacia in 11 (25.6%) newborns. Grade I haemorrhage was found in 20 (62.5%), grade II in five (15.6%), and grade III in seven (21.8%) newborns, as in accordance with Papile’s classification. Vaginal delivery (p = 0.010), birth weight <1500 g (p = 0.024), gestational age at delivery ≤32 weeks (p = 0.018), and previous history of infection during pregnancy (p = 0.013) were considered risk factors for peri-intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm newborns. Conclusion: Maternal corticoid administration for foetal lung maturation showed a protective effect against peri-intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm newborns. The risk factors for peri-intraventricular haemorrhage were determined.