Intracranial hemorrhage in newborns with hemophilia: the role of screening radiologic studies in the first 7 days of life

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008 Jan;30(1):81-4. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e31815b4c92.

Abstract

In newborns with hemophilia, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a potentially life-threatening event and in those who survive, there is a risk of long-term neurologic sequelae. A single-center retrospective chart review was performed to look at the utility of central nervous system screening of babies who were diagnosed with moderate or severe hemophilia in the first 7 days of life. Twenty of the twenty-two eligible babies had either a head ultrasound or computerized tomography of the head performed as soon as possible after the diagnosis of hemophilia was confirmed. ICH was found in 3 of the 20 newborns. All patients with ICH had instrument-assisted deliveries with extracranial signs of bleeding/trauma. On the basis of this series we found screening to be safe and effective in recognizing ICH. As a result of this approach, all ICHs were found when they were radiographically small and before the babies had neurologic symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hemophilia A / complications
  • Hemophilia A / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / complications
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography