Assessment of the Neurodevelopmental Status in Babies with a History of Prematurity and Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Background: In premature neonates, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a significant cause of mortality and can lead to movement disorders, paralysis, and cognitive and learning disabilities. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the neurodevelopmental status of infants with a history of prematurity and neonatal IVH. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 45 infants aged 6 to 36 months with a history of prematurity. Subjects diagnosed with neonatal IVH were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-3) and compared with those without IVH. The neurodevelopmental status of premature infants was assessed based on the diagnosis of IVH, determined through medical history, physical examination, and cranial sonography. Results: A significant association was found between neonatal IVH and motor disorders, affecting both fine and gross motor skills, as well as receptive language disability (OR = 0.086, P = 0.031; OR = 0.093, P = 0.035; and OR = 0.067, P = 0.045, respectively). Maternal preeclampsia and neonatal thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with a diagnosis of IVH. Regression analysis indicated that fine motor disorder was associated with maternal preeclampsia (OR = 0.063, P = 0.041). Conclusions: Early screening and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders in premature infants with IVH may improve prognosis. Identifying risk factors for IVH can aid in the prediction, prevention, and management of neurodevelopmental disorders.