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“ BETTER CHILD DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT A head ultrasound is a routine test for all babies born before 30 weeks of gestation and is usually performed within the first two weeks of life. If a baby born at between 30 and 34 weeks exhibits IVH symptoms, a head ultrasound is also recommended. With premature babies, a second routine head ultrasound is performed around their original due date. If a full-term baby has symptoms after a difficult birth, low blood count or other signs of bleeding problems, a head CT scan is recommended. A possible case of IVH should also be investigated whenever an infant's health worsens suddenly, especially in the first week of life. IVH, especially in milder cases, usually simply requires monitoring and supportive care. In more serious cases, treatment usually involves symptomatic treatment and keeping the baby stable. For example, the baby may require oxygen or a blood transfusion to improve blood pressure and blood count. Should there be increased concern about pressure on the brain, the medical team may do a spinal tap - where a thin hollow needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to drain cerebrospinal fluid - to relieve pressure. Depending on the outcome here, in rare cases surgery may be necessary to place a shunt (tube) in the brain to drain more fluid. If bleeding remains severe, IVH can be life-threatening. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT The long-term outcomes of infant brain bleeds vary depending on the severity of the bleed, as well as its treatment and management. More severe cases can result in long- term cognitive and behavioural effects including developmental delays and difficulty controlling movement. However, less than half of babies with lower-grade bleeding have long-term problems and their outcomes are like premature babies who do not have IVH. Ultimately, preventing premature birth is the best way to prevent IVH - yet this is not always possible. However, medication called corticosteroids should be given to pregnant women at risk of premature delivery to reduce the baby’s risk for IVH. Pregnant women who are on medications that affect bleeding risks, should be given vitamin K before delivery. = Sources: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/intraventricular-hemorrhage.html; https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and- conditions---pediatrics/i/intraventricular-hemorrhage-in-babies.html; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007301.htm; https://www. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/intraventricular-hemorrhage
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