Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH)

There is no specific treatment for IVH.  Therapy is aimed at correcting the other medical conditions associated with IVH (i.e. correction of bleeding, treatment of infections, etc.).  In general, IVH grades 1 and 2 are still most common and usually self-limiting.  They are not associated with any long-term complications and more often does not require further intervention.  Grades 3 and 4 are more serious and may have long-term sequelae if left untreated.  There are some cases when moderate-severe IVH may require placement of a reservoir or shunt if spinal fluid distends the ventricles and leads to expansion of the head size (hydrocephalus). This is secondary to blockage of spinal fluid within the brain and expansion of the head as a result.

Babies with IVH are high risk for developing long term neurological problems and delayed development.