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Intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn - Symptom

Alternative Names

IVH - newborn

Symptoms:

There may be no symptoms. The most common symptoms seen in premature infants may include:

Breathing pauses (apnea)
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Decreased muscle tone
Decreased reflexes
Excessive sleep
Lethargy
Weak suck

Signs and tests:

An ultrasound of the head is recommended for all babies before 30 weeks to screen for IVH. The test is done once between 7 and 14 days of age.

A second ultrasound is suggested close to when the baby was originally expected to be born. The test may also be done if your child has signs or symptoms of IVH.

A CT scan of the head is recommended if a baby has symptoms after a difficult birth, low blood count, or signs of bleeding problems.

Reviewed last on: 5/9/2011
Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bassan H. Intracranial hemorrhage in the preterm infant: understanding it, preventing it. Clin Perinatol. 2009 Dec;36(4):737-62, v.

Ment LR. Practice parameter: neuroimaging of the neonate: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Neurology. Jun 2002; 58(12): 1726-38.

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