Intraventricular Haemorrhage in Neonates Patient Information Leaflet Flipbook

Intraventricular Haemorrhage Information for Parents• Neonatal Unit, Royal Preston Hospital

What is Intraventricular Haemorrhage?Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)means bleeding (haemorrhage) into(intra) the normal fluid spaces(ventricles) within the brain. What Causes IVH?Every baby has tiny blood vesselsclose to the ventricles of the brain.These are fragile and can easilybleed. Why is my baby at risk of an IVH?The smaller and more premature thebaby, the more likely IVH will occur.IVH happens most often in thesmallest and sickest babies:• Babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy,• Babies weighing less than 1500 grams (3lb. 5oz),• Babies with breathing problems,• Babies with other complications of prematurity.

What are the symptoms of IVH?Each baby is different and your babymay experience symptomsdifferently. Symptoms may include:• Periods of not breathing and slow heart rate (apnoea and bradycardia)• Blue or pale colouring (cyanosis)• Weak suck, muscle weakness• High-pitched cry• Twitching or convulsions (seizures)• Swelling or bulging of the “soft spots” (fontanelles) between the bones of your baby’s head• Low blood count (anaemia) How will the doctors know if my baby has IVH? A head scan (cranial ultrasound) is usually used to tell the doctors and nurses whether or not your baby has developed an IVH. The scan can also be used to grade and monitor any bleeding. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the structures inside your baby’s brain. This is similar to the scan most mothers have at 20 weeks of pregnancy. It does not cause any pain to the baby.

Can IVHs be prevented? If there is time before the baby is delivered, mothers may be given steroid injections to help their baby’s lungs mature more. This can also reduce the risk of your baby developing an IVH.What are the complications that may develop after an IVH?Sometimes an IVH can block thenormal drainage system in the brainand causes a build up of fluid. Thismakes the ventricles swell up andcan cause a build up of pressureinside the skull. This is calledhydrocephalus. What does an IVH mean for my baby?A small amount of bleeding is oftennot a problem. Babies with morebleeding are at in increased risk oflong-term problems later in childhood.These problems may show themselvesas delayed development and problemscontrolling movement. Unfortunately,in some cases an IVH can be fatal.

How is IVH treated?Unfortunately, there is no exacttreatment that has been shown tohelp babies with an IVH. If your babydevelops hydrocephalus, s/he willneed an operation. This helps thefluid to escape from inside the brain.All babies will continue to be lookedafter by the neonatal unit. Thedoctors and nurses will treat anyother health problems that mayworsen the IVH. Who do I ask for more information?Please ask to speak to one of yourbaby’s doctors or nurses if you haveany further questions. Where can I find out more about the medical terms used in this document?A glossary of the medical terms usedin this leaflet can be found on theBLISS website at:http://www.bliss.org.uk/common-medical-terms

Tel: 01772 522972 Contact Us Neonatal Unit Royal Preston HospitalSharoe Green Lane North Preston PR2 9HT 01772 524242 Published in June 2016