Early neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants with intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia

Aim Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants are associated with an increased risk of long‐term neurodevelopmental impairments (NDI) and cerebral palsy (CP). However, little is known about their impact on early neurodevelopmental outcomes despite increasing evidence highlighting the feasibility and importance of early NDI/CP diagnosis. We aimed to determine the early neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants with IVH and PVL. Methods This was a retrospective single‐centre cohort study of preterm infants born at <29 weeks gestation or <1000 g birth weight who attended an Early Neurodevelopment Clinic at 3 to 4 months of corrected age. Primary outcomes of early NDI and CP/high‐risk CP diagnoses based on Prechtl's General Movements Assessment and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination were compared between infants without IVH and infants with mild IVH (grades I‐II), severe IVH (grades III‐IV), and severe brain injury (SBI; severe IVH or cystic PVL). Results Of 313 infants, 52.1% ( n = 163), 41.2% ( n = 129), 6.7% ( n = 21) and 8.6% ( n = 27) had no IVH, mild IVH, severe IVH and SBI, respectively. The adjusted odds of early CP/high‐risk CP diagnosis were significantly higher in infants with severe IVH (aOR 6.07, 95% CI 1.50–24.50) and SBI (aOR 15.28, 95% CI 3.70–63), but not in those with mild IVH (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 0.49–3.10). However, the adjusted odds of any early NDI were similar across groups. Conclusion Preterm infants with severe IVH and SBI are at increased risk of early CP/high‐risk of CP diagnosis at 3 to 4 months of corrected age.