Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between superior vena cava flow (SVCF) measurements within the first 24 h of life, and development of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in extremely preterm infants.
Study design: Single centre retrospective cohort study of 108 preterm infants born less than 28 weeks’ gestation. Main outcome measure was degree of IVH at day 7 postnatal age.
Results: The mean GA of the study group was 25.4 weeks. Mean SVCF was lower (75 ml/kg/min) in infants later diagnosed with IVH (n = 46) compared to infants, who did not develop IVH (87.7 ml/kg/min, p = 0.055). PDA diameter was inversely associated with SVCF (p = 0.024) and reversal of flow in the descending aorta (p = 0.001). Sensitivity analysis did not confirm an independent association of SVCF with development of IVH [OR 0.990 (0.978–1.002), p = 0.115].
Conclusion: Our study describes early SVCF in extremely preterm infants is associated with the extent of ductal shunting, but insensitive in predicting IVH.
Declaration of interest
No financial assistance was received in support of the study.