intraventricular hemorrhage
Also written as: IVH — intraventricular hemorrhage
Bleeding into the brain's ventricular system, a serious complication primarily affecting very premature infants.
Full Definition
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a significant neurological complication that predominantly affects very low birth weight premature infants, particularly those born before 32 weeks gestation. The hemorrhage originates from the fragile blood vessels in the germinal matrix, a highly vascularized area adjacent to the lateral ventricles that is present only during fetal development. IVH is graded I-IV based on severity, with grades III and IV associated with significant long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. Grade I involves bleeding confined to the germinal matrix, grade II extends into the ventricles without ventricular dilation, grade III includes ventricular dilation, and grade IV involves parenchymal involvement. The condition is typically diagnosed through cranial ultrasound and requires ongoing neurological monitoring and developmental follow-up.
Usage
Usage note: Grading system (I-IV) should always be specified; distinguish from other forms of intracranial hemorrhage.
In Context
- "Cranial ultrasound on day 3 of life revealed grade II intraventricular hemorrhage without ventricular dilation." — Neonatology progress note
- "The extremely low birth weight infant developed grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage with parenchymal involvement requiring neurosurgical consultation." — NICU consultation request