The Relationship Between Superior Vena Cava Flow and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

Study to Assess the Relationship Between Superior Vena Cava Flow and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between superior vena cava (SVC) flow measurements within the first 24 hours of life and development of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm born infants.

A prospective, observational cohort study was carried out on newborns that fulfill the eligibility criteria and delivered at the Alexandria University Maternity Hospital (AUMH).

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Alexandria University Maternity Hospital with total admissions of approximately 2100 newborn per year of which approximately more than 50% are admitted due to prematurity and its complications.

The study was carried out in 3 phases:

1. First phase: Enrollment and selection phase.
2. Second phase: Monitoring and Evaluation phase.
3. Third phase: Statistical analysis of the data

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newborns with very low birth weight (≤1500 g) or ≤ 32 weeks gestation who were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit in the first day of life.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Newborns (more than 32 weeks of gestation
• Newborns with birth weight more than 1500 g.
• Newborns with congenital heart diseases excluding (patent ductus arteriosus and patent foramen ovale)
• Newborns with major congenital malformations.
• Newborns with birth trauma especially basal skull/temporal bone fractures that require hospitalization