Comparison of Clinical Factors and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes between Early- and Late-Onset Periventricular Leukomalacia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Purpose To analyze and compare the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes compare early- and late-onset periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods We performed a retrospective study involving 199 newborn infants weighing <1,500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between March 2009 and December 2015. VLBWI with PVL were categorized into early- and late-onset PVL groups based on the time of diagnosis based on 28 days of age. We analyzed the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes between the groups. Results The incidence rate of PVL was 10.1% (16/158). The Apgar score at 1 minute and the mean duration of tocolytic therapy were associated with the development of PVL. The incidence rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was significantly higher in the early-onset PVL group (P=0.041). No significant differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the early- and late-onset PVL groups. Conclusion Results suggest that a higher incidence of PROM was associated with clinical characteristics in the early-onset PVL group. No significant intergroup differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III scores were lower in the early-onset PVL group.

Keywords

• leukomalacia, periventricular
• fetal membranes, premature rupture
• infant, very low birth weight