Risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants in the central region of Saudi Arabia

Background

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of premature (<32 weeks) deliveries, especially in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; <1500 g) neonates. Infants developing severe IVH are more prone to long-term developmental disabilities. Although 62%–79% of women in Saudi Arabia receive antenatal steroids, IVH incidence remains high. We analyzed the risk factors for IVH in preterm VLBW neonates in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We included premature infants with IVH (n = 108) and gestational age- and birth weight-matched control group infants (n = 108) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Cases were divided into mild (grades I and II; n = 56) and severe (grades III and IV; n = 52) IVH groups. Association of IVH with risk factors in the first week of life was investigated.

Results

The following risk factors were associated with severe IVH: lack of antenatal steroid administration (P < .001), pulmonary hemorrhage (P = .023), inotrope use (P = .032), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (P = .001), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (P = .005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following to be significant: lack of antenatal dexamethasone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.219, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.087–0.546), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (aOR: 3.519, 95% CI 1.204–10.281), and PDA (aOR: 2.718, 95% CI 1.024–7.210). Low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was significantly associated with severe IVH (all P < .01).

Conclusions

Failure to receive antenatal dexamethasone, PDA, hydrocortisone administration for neonatal hypotension, and low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was associated with severe IVH in VLBW neonates. Clinicians and healthcare policy makers should consider these factors during decision-making.