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Neuropediatrics 1994; 25(3): 134-139
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071600
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 5-7 Years in Preterm Infants with Periventricular Leukomalacia

E.  Fazzi1 , S.  Orcesi1 , L.  Caffi1 , A.  Ometto2 , G.  Rondini2 , C.  Telesca1 , G.  Lanzi1
  • 1Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS C. Mondino, University of Pavia, Italy
  • 2Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

We describe outcome at 5-7 years of 37 subjects with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Children were divided into 3 groups based on PVL type and clinical outcome.

Subjects with cystic PVL ≥ 5 mm-1 cm or more (n = 14) all developed CP. CP was found in only 2 subjects out of 11 with cystic PVL < 5 mm. One had GII < 70 according to McCarthy's Scales of Children's abilities. Mild neurological signs were present in 7 and 1 child was normal. Subjects with so-called "prolonged flare" (n = 12) included 6 CP cases, 4 with mild neurological signs and 2 normal subjects.

Prognosis was related to site and number of cysts. Cognitive profiles tended to be disharmonic, with discrepancies between verbal, performance and motor scores. We conclude that PVL represents an important diagnostic tool in both short and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Abbreviations

PVL: periventricular leukomalacia
CP: cerebral palsy
U.S.: ultrasound scan
PVE: periventricular echodensities
CPVL: cystic periventricular leukomalacia
GA: gestational age
GII: General Intellectual Index
DQ: Developmental Quotient

Key words

Preterm - PVL - Long-term outcome