Cervical spinal cord hemorrhage secondary to neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus and Outcomes Amongst Neonates With Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Introduction Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates. IVH leads to complications such as posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), which commonly occurs in neonates with a more severe degree of IVH. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of PHH in neonates with IVH. Methods We performed a systematic review of cases reported from January 1978 to December 2020 through the PubMed database, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the keywords 'intraventricular hemorrhage,' 'cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage,' and 'newborn.' A total of 79 articles were considered for analysis, and data on neonatal and maternal characteristics and outcomes were collected. The analysis was performed by using the χ2 test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and multivariate logistic regression model. Results We analyzed a total of 101 IVH cases, 54.5% were male and 62.4% preterm. Thirteen point nine percent (13.9%) presented with grade I, 35.6% grade II, and grade III respectively, and 8% grade IV IVH. Among the 59 (58.4%) neonates with PHH, 33.6% had resolved PHH and 24.8% had unresolved. In adjusted regression analysis, we found that neonates with resolved PHH have lower odds of having neurodevelopmental delay (OR:0.15, 95%CI:0.03-0.74; p=0.02) and death (OR:0.9;95%CI:0.01-0.99; p=0.049) as compared to unresolved PHH. Conclusion Our study showed that neonates with resolved PHH have a statistically significant lower risk of neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) and mortality. Future studies should be planned to evaluate the role of treatment and its effect on outcomes in IVH neonates with PHH as a complication.

Part 1: recognizing neonatal spinal cord injury

Neonatal spinal cord injury can occur in utero, as well as after either a difficult delivery or a nontraumatic delivery. Spinal cord injury can also be related to invasive nursery procedures or underlying neonatal pathology. Early clinical signs of spinal cord injury that has occurred in utero or at delivery includes severe respiratory compromise and profound hypotonia. Knowledge of risk factors and awareness of symptoms is required for early recognition and appropriate treatment. This article reviews the embryological development of the spinal column highlighting mechanisms of injury and identifying underlying factors that increase the risk of spinal cord injury in newborns. Signs and symptoms of injury, cervical spine immobilization, and the differential diagnosis are discussed. Nursing implications, general prognosis, and research in spinal cord injury are provided.