[Cerebral intraventricular and/or intraparenchymal hemorrhages in full-term newborn infants. Long-term outcome].

Background: Intraventricular and parenchymal hemorrhages are rare in full-term neonates. Their prognosis is still under discussion.

Population and methods: 6 full-term newborns admitted between January 1985 and December 1988 developed intracranial hemorrhage: 3 had intraventricular hemorrhage and 3 parenchymal without intraventricular hemorrhage. The study includes the results of a questionnaire on the pregnancy and delivery, clinical, ultrasonographic and CT scan data. The long-term neuro-developmental outcome was assessed when the children were 4 to 7 year-old.

Results: All the patients were given phenobarbitone for 1 month to 1 year (one patient was given phenobarbitone plus phenytoin). One patient, aged 1 month, required insertion of a valve, because hydrocephalus developed. One patient had difficulties at school with developmental retardation; another patient developed minor difficulties. The 4 other patients had normal motor and mental development with good scholastic performances.

Conclusions: The prognosis for intraventricular and parenchymal hemorrhage seems better in full-term than in pre-term infants.