Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH)
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Doctors
Our doctors help to diagnose and manage this condition in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The paediatric radiologist may also perform further imaging tests.
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Signs & Symptoms
Babies who have mild bleeds usually do not show any signs and the bleed will only be diagnosed on routine screening ultrasound scans. Babies who develop severe bleeds may occasionally be unwell, with changes in their breathing pattern, blood pressure and behaviour.
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What causes it
The blood vessels in the premature brain are fragile and are prone to bleeding into the ventricular spaces, and if more severe, into the brain tissue itself. The more immature or the more unstable the baby's clinical condition is during the first few days, the higher the chances of bleeding.
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About the condition
Intraventricular hemorrhage is one of the condition which babies with very low birth weight (<1500g) may suffer from.
The bleeding will stop on its own. The degree of bleeding can be divided into four grades: grade 1 to 4 (increasing in size and severity). Grade 3 and Grade 4 bleeds are classified as severe IVH. Grade 4 bleeds will have the greatest risk of affecting the future mental and physical development of the baby.
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis is done using ultrasound. The ultrasound probe is placed on the soft part of the skull called the anterior fontanelle. Routine ultrasound scans are performed for all babies born below 1500g, several times during the baby's stay.
No specific treatment is available for most cases of bleeding. In severe cases, the blood in the ventricles may obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (brain fluid) and lead to hydrocephalus (dilation of the ventricles). This may require drainage and removal by our doctors.
Premature babies with severe grades of IVH are followed up after discharge in our high-risk neonatal clinics. We can provide early intervention with the support of the physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
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Support Group
The Early Starter Club is a support group for parents of premature babies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
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Clinical outcome
In our Very Low Body Weight (VLBW) cohort, our rate of severe intraventricular hemorrhage is 5.3%, which is lower than that of the Vermont-Oxford Network rate of 10.0%.
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