Cognitive and Neurological Outcome at the Age of 5–8 Years of Preterm Infants with Post-Hemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation Requiring Neurosurgical Intervention

Background: Preterm infants with progressive post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in the absence of associated parenchymal lesions may have a normal neurodevelopmental outcome. Objectives: To evaluate neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes among preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and PHVD requiring neurosurgical intervention. Methods: 32 preterm infants were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit with PHVD requiring neurosurgical intervention, and were seen in the follow-up clinic for standardized cognitive, behavioral and neurological assessments between 5 and 8 years of age. Only preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) of