Intra-ventricular hemorrhage and method of delivery of very low birth weight infants.

The possibilities of preventing intra-ventricular/ sub-ependymal hemorrhage (IVH) are of greatest interest. Unfortunately only fragments are known of the pathogenesis [17, 18]. It has been pointed out that IVH is associated with gestational age, respiratory distress and vigorous resuscitation procedures. Only the latter is of any practical relevance to the clinician and calls for gentleness in handling and treatment of the very low birth weight infant (VLBW). Applying this gentleness in the obstetric management by way of delivering the very premature infant by cesarian section could conceivably contribute to the prevention of IVH.