Risk assessment and early prediction of intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in extremely preterm infants (EPIs), focusing on early-stage prediction to improve clinical outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, including 189 EPIs born between January 2019 and December 2023. Infants were categorized into IVH and non-IVH groups based on head ultrasound findings. Risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and a predictive model for IVH was developed. Of the 189 EPIs, 80 (42.3%) developed IVH, with 26 (13.8%) experiencing severe IVH. Gestational age was identified as a significant protective factor (OR = 0.565, p = 0.023), while invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was a key risk factor (OR = 2.718, p = 0.012). The predictive model demonstrated good performance, with an AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.681–0.825). Gestational age and IMV are critical factors in the development of IVH in EPIs. Early identification of high-risk infants based on these factors can aid in timely interventions to reduce IVH incidence and improve outcomes.

Keywords

• Extreme preterm infants
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Risk factors
• Predictive model
• Neonatal care