What is a germinal matrix hemorrhage?

What is a germinal matrix hemorrhage?

The blood vessels of the germinal matrix are weak walled and predisposed to hemorrhage. A significant stress experienced by a premature infant after birth may cause these vessels to rupture. US is the modality of choice. Germinal matrix hemorrhages appear as echogenic regions close to the caudothalamic groove.

What is a grade 3 brain bleed?

Grade 3: Bleeding is found in the ventricles, and the bleeding has caused the ventricles to dilate, or grow larger. Grade 4: Blood is found in the ventricles, which have dilated, and in nearby areas of the brain.

What is a Level 3 hemorrhage?

Grades 3 and 4 involve more severe bleeding. The blood presses on (grade 3) or directly involves (grade 4) brain tissue. Grade 4 is also called an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Blood clots can form and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can lead to increased fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).

What is germinal matrix in brain?

The germinal matrix (GM) is a highly vascularized region of the developing brain located underneath the lateral ventricles, and hemorrhage in this area (i.e., germinal matrix hemorrhage, GMH) is a devastating neurological disease in premature infants that results in substantial mortality and morbidity.

Where does germinal matrix hemorrhage originate?

Hemorrhage originates in the fragile capillary network of the subependymal germinal matrix of the developing brain and may disrupt the ependymal lining and progress into the lateral cerebral ventricle.

Where is germinal matrix located?

The germinal matrix, located on the head of caudate nucleus and underneath ventricular ependyma, is a highly vascular collection of glial and neuronal precursor cells (Fig 1A, B). This periventricular region is selectively vulnerable to hemorrhage in premature infants predominantly in the first 48 h of life.

Do all grade 3 brain bleeds lead to cerebral palsy?

In a large study of 214 infants with severe IVH, only 7.4% of those with Grade 3 and 49% with Grade 4 IVH had cerebral palsy and the majority had normal developmental quotients at 24 months.

When does germinal matrix disappear?

The germinal matrix disappears by 36–37 weeks of gestation (wg), so GM-IVH is more likely in preterm infants than full term. The global incidence of GM-IVH among preterm infants ranges from 14.7% to 44.7%, with variations across gestational age groups, countries, and antenatal and neonatal care [3].

Is germinal matrix hemorrhage the same as IVH?

Germinal matrix hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH; also referred to as intraventricular hemorrhage [IVH]) is an important cause of brain injury in the newborn, and in particular for preterm infants.

When does the germinal matrix mature?

In anatomy, the germinal matrix is a highly cellular and highly vascularized region in the brain out from which cells migrate during brain development. The germinal matrix is the source of both neurons and glial cells and is most active between 8 and 28 weeks gestation.

Can a brain bleed heal on its own?

Diagnosis & treatment Many hemorrhages do not need treatment and go away on their own. If a patient is exhibiting symptoms or has just had a brain injury, a medical professional may order a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for brain hemorrhages.

Can a premature baby survive a brain bleed?

Most of these bleeds are mild (Grade I or II), and about 90% resolve with few or no problems. In mild cases, the body absorbs the blood. Usually the follow-up head ultrasound is normal. The baby’s development is most often typical for a preterm baby.

Can hemorrhage be cured?

Some patients recover completely. Possible complications include stroke, loss of brain function, seizures, or side effects from medications or treatments. Death is possible, and may quickly occur despite prompt medical treatment.

Can a baby survive bleeding on the brain?

Some neonates (newborn babies) fully recover from a neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage. However, if the brain damage is severe, not all babies will. Some newborns may even develop cerebral palsy or other incurable neurological conditions due to their IVH.