Germinal Matrix–Intraventricular Haemorrhage (GMH-IVH)
Pathogenesis
- Common in very low-birthweight infants, typically within first 3 days post-delivery.
- Rarely occurs beyond first week after birth, contrasting with white matter injury.
- Originates in germinal matrix and may rupture into lateral ventricle.
- Less common in term infants; usually arises from choroid plexus rather than germinal matrix.
- Incidence reduced from ~40% in the 1980s to ~20% in the 1990s due to routine cranial ultrasonography.
- Infants <1000g have a higher risk (60%) compared to larger infants (20%).
- Recent studies indicate stabilization of severe GMH-IVH around 6%.
- Incidence of intraparenchymal haemorrhage averages between 5% and 11%.
- Impaired venous drainage, termed periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI), is a frequent cause.
Risk Factors
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