Research Article

Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality

Volume: 18 Number: 4 October 1, 2025
TR EN

Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality

Abstract

Purpose: Advancements in neonatal care have increased the survival rates of premature infants, but intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) continues to be a concerning issue in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study sought to evaluate the risk factors associated with ICH in preterm infants born before 29 weeks of gestation, with a particular focus on the preventive measures. Materials and methods: In a perinatology center with a 61-bed level-4 unit, this retrospective cohort study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit. Digital hospital records were scanned for infants born ≤290/7 weeks and hospitalized between 2021-2023. We categorized the study population into three groups based on the increasing severity of ICH according to the first week transfontanelle ultrasonography findings. Demographic, perinatal characteristics, cord blood gas values, platelet count, platelet mass were recorded as laboratory parameters. Clinical interventions, follow-up data and transfusion of blood products, mechanical ventilation requirements, inotrope use within the first 72 hours, length of hospital stay, mortality data were recorded. Results: A total of 96 patients (female/male: 39/57) were enrolled in the study. A significant difference in mean gestational age was observed among patients in Group 1 (no-ICH, n=50), Group 2 (mild, n=25), and Group 3 (severe, n=21) (p<0.001). Additionally, antenatal corticosteroid therapy was notably less frequent in Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.044). Cord lactate and the rate of metabolic acidosis were significantly higher in Group 3 (p=0.026, <0.001). The platelet count and platelet mass were significantly lower in Group 3 compared to the other two groups (p=0.014, p=0.023). Conclusion: Our findings emphasize reduced antenatal corticosteroid use, higher metabolic acidosis rates, increased transfusion needs, and lower platelet mass as prominent risk factors, reaffirming the multifactorial nature of ICH. We believe these measures can be integrated into clinical protocols within the framework of an ''ICH prevention bundle''.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neonatology

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

July 3, 2025

Publication Date

October 1, 2025

Submission Date

May 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 30, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 18 Number: 4

APA
Şahin, Ö., Çolak, D., Yavanoğlu Atay, F., Güran, Ö., İyigün, F., Taşar, S., & Mungan Akın, İ. (2025). Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality. Pamukkale Medical Journal, 18(4), 761-770. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1700425
AMA
1.Şahin Ö, Çolak D, Yavanoğlu Atay F, et al. Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality. Pam Med J. 2025;18(4):761-770. doi:10.31362/patd.1700425
Chicago
Şahin, Özlem, Derya Çolak, Funda Yavanoğlu Atay, et al. 2025. “Intracranial Hemorrhage in Premature Infants: Investigation of Etiology and Mortality”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 18 (4): 761-70. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1700425.
EndNote
Şahin Ö, Çolak D, Yavanoğlu Atay F, Güran Ö, İyigün F, Taşar S, Mungan Akın İ (October 1, 2025) Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality. Pamukkale Medical Journal 18 4 761–770.
IEEE
[1]Ö. Şahin et al., “Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality”, Pam Med J, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 761–770, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.31362/patd.1700425.
ISNAD
Şahin, Özlem - Çolak, Derya - Yavanoğlu Atay, Funda - Güran, Ömer - İyigün, Fatma - Taşar, Sevinç - Mungan Akın, İlke. “Intracranial Hemorrhage in Premature Infants: Investigation of Etiology and Mortality”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 18/4 (October 1, 2025): 761-770. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1700425.
JAMA
1.Şahin Ö, Çolak D, Yavanoğlu Atay F, Güran Ö, İyigün F, Taşar S, Mungan Akın İ. Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality. Pam Med J. 2025;18:761–770.
MLA
Şahin, Özlem, et al. “Intracranial Hemorrhage in Premature Infants: Investigation of Etiology and Mortality”. Pamukkale Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 4, Oct. 2025, pp. 761-70, doi:10.31362/patd.1700425.
Vancouver
1.Özlem Şahin, Derya Çolak, Funda Yavanoğlu Atay, Ömer Güran, Fatma İyigün, Sevinç Taşar, İlke Mungan Akın. Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants: investigation of etiology and mortality. Pam Med J. 2025 Oct. 1;18(4):761-70. doi:10.31362/patd.1700425

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