Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus: A Complication of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

SURVIVAL OF PREMATURE AND LOW birth weight (LBW) neonates has increased in the past decade, and it continues to improve with recent advances in neonatal care. The use of antenatal corticosteroids and surfactant has played a major role in the improved survival of these LBW infants. Stevenson and colleagues documented survival-to-discharge rates of 49 percent for infants weighing 501–750 gm at birth, 85 percent for those 751–1,000 gm, 93 percent for those 1,001–1,250 gm, and 96 percent for those 1,251–1500 gm. With increasing survival rates, developmental outcome remains a concern, particularly in the lowest birth weight groups. Approximately 32 percent of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (defined as weighing 501–1,500 gm) show evidence of intracrenial hemorrhage.