White matter injury and perinatal infarction in premature infants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.1186Keywords:
White Matter; Infant, Premature; Leukomalacia, Periventricular; StrokeAbstract
White matter injury (WMI), formerly known as periventricular leukomalacia, is a major cause of cerebral palsy and neurocognitive deficits in premature infants, especially those born before 32 weeks of gestation. The main risk factors are hypoxia-ischemia and infection or inflammation. The lesions are divided into macroscopic cystic, microscopic cystic, and diffuse noncystic, with the diffuse type dominating today, which is more associated with cognitive and behavioral than motor problems. Diagnosis is made by ultrasound or MRI, and research is seeking new treatments and prenatal markers of injury.
Perinatal strokes are cerebrovascular disorders that occur in the developing brain from 20 weeks of gestation to 28 days after birth. Here, we provide an overview of the different forms of perinatal stroke in preterm infants, examine potential risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches, and conclude with a discussion of outcomes and strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of affected infants and their families.
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