Seizures in preterm infants with germinal-matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH): a retrospective monocentric study on predictors and neurodevelopmental outcome

Aim: Germinal-matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is a leading cause of seizures in preterm infants. This study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with seizures and to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with GM-IVH and seizures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from 2011 to 2019, identifying preterm infants with GM-IVH grades 2-4 through an electronic patient file system. Seizures were diagnosed based on clinical manifestations and abnormal EEG findings. Infants were grouped by the presence or absence of seizures, and associated comorbidities were compared. Neurodevelopmental follow-up was assessed at two years of age using the Mental Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II). Outcomes of infants with seizures were compared to all tested preterm infants with birth weight <1500 g born between 2011 and 2019 (n = 195). Results: A total of 34 preterm infants with GM-IVH grades 2-4 were included. Seizures occurred in 52.9 % of cases. Their occurrence was significantly associated with lower gestational age (mean 28.1 vs. 30 weeks, p = 0.04) and pneumonia (p = 0.003). Infants with seizures had significantly lower BSID-II Mental scores (n = 15) compared to those without seizures (86.3 +/- 18.3 vs. 104.9 +/- 8.5, p = 0.03). However, as these infants had a lower gestational age, we could not distinguish if they had a poorer outcome because of seizures or because of immaturity. Conclusion: Seizures in preterm infants with GM-IVH were significantly associated with lower gestational age and pneumonia. Infections and inflammation may contribute to seizure development. Larger studies with continuous EEG monitoring are needed to validate these findings.