Implementation of an early intervention strategy for post hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation in preterm infants

ObjectiveEvaluate earlier intervention on short- and longer-term outcomes in preterm infants with post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) born at ≤32 weeks’ gestation.Study designRetrospective, multi-center, observational study.Results:One hundred patients met eligibility criteria. Of 70 survivors, PHVD resolved spontaneously in 32 (46%). The 38 infants needing intervention were managed with: lumbar puncture (LP) alone (n = 23, 60%); LP and ventricular access device (VAD) only (n = 6, 16%); LP, VAD, ventricular-peritoneal shunt (n = 9, 24%). There were no differences in incidence of cerebral palsy or Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) composite score between the intervention and non-intervention group (p > 0.5). Neurosurgical intervention was initiated at smaller ventricle size and BSID-III scores improved significantly compared to a historical cohort with late intervention, (p < 0.05).ConclusionInitiation of early intervention for PHVD was feasible and was associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to late intervention.