Atypical timing and presentation of periventricular haemorrhagic infarction in preterm infants: the role of thrombophilia.

AIM: Periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) is a complication of preterm birth associated with cardiorespiratory instability. To date, the role of thrombophilia as a possible additional risk factor in infants with atypical timing and presentation of PVHI has not been investigated.

METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants who developed PVHI with an atypical timing and presentation either of antenatal onset or late in the postnatal course in the absence of a preceding sudden deterioration of their clinical condition. In infants with atypical PVHI mutation analysis of the factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A) gene, and C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene was performed, and plasma lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine levels were measured.

RESULTS

Sixty-two preterm infants who presented with a PVHI were studied. Seventeen had an atypical presentation (seven males, 10 females; median birthweight 1170g [range 580-1990g]; median gestational age 30.6wks [range 28.7-33.7wks]). The typical PVHI group comprised 28 males and 17 females (median birthweight 1200g [range 670-2210g]; median gestational age 29.6wks [range 25.3-33.6wks]). Among the 17 infants with atypical presentation, the factor V Leiden mutation was found in seven infants (41%) as well as in the mothers of six of these seven infants; in one infant this was concomitant with a prothrombin gene mutation. A polymorphism in the MTHFR gene was also present in these infants. In two infants with an atypical presentation who were tested for this, a mutation in the COL4A1 gene was found (reported previously). All but two of the infants with an atypical presentation developed spastic unilateral cerebral palsy.

INTERPRETATION: An atypical presentation of PVHI in preterm infants tends to occur more often in the presence of thrombophilia. Testing of thrombophilia, especially factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation, is recommended in these infants.