Germinal matrix hemorrhage (also known as germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage, GM-IVH) is a type of intraventricular hemorrhage that commonly occurs in preterm and very low birth weight infants. Bleeding occurs in the subependymal germinal matrix with or without subsequent rupture into the lateral ventricle. Such intraventricular hemorrhage may occur due to perinatal asphyxia or other perinatal stressors in preterm neonates. GM-IVH is typically diagnosed via imaging and associated with long term complications including neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.
Clinical features Most neonates with GM-IVH are asymptomatic and diagnosed via imaging within the first two weeks of life. Infants may experience convulsions, a bulging fontanelle, recurrent apnea, respiratory distress, pallor, and temperature instability. Lab work may show a low hematocrit if the hemorrhage is large.
Pathophysiology The germinal matrix is the site of proliferating neuronal and glial precursors in the developing brain. As a transient, highly vascular region of the fetal brain, it exists from 15-32 weeks of gestation. It is located above the caudate nucleus, in the floor of the lateral ventricle, and at the caudothalamic groove. The germinal matrix consists of a rich network of fragile thin-walled blood vessels. Hence the microcirculation in this particular area is extremely sensitive to hypoxia and changes in perfusion pressure. The region is sensitive to hemodynamic instability because the vessels here have sparse coverage of pericytes and astrocytes compared to other regions of the brain, causing a lack of structural integrity. Border zones, junctions where two new vessel endpoints that arose from different origins meet, are particularly vulnerable. GM-IVH frequently occurs in infants born before 32 weeks gestation and is typically seen in very low birth-weight (<1500g) premature infants because they lack adequate auto-regulation of cerebral blood flow. Consequently, increased arterial blood pressure in these blood vessels leads to rupture and hemorrhage into the germinal matrix.
Screening and diagnosis Screening is commonly performed with cranial ultrasound (CUS) due to the modality's high sensitivity and specificity, ease of use, and availability. However, screening guidelines and protocols vary. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening neonates born prior to 30 weeks of gestation as well as neonates born after 30 weeks of gestation with significant risk factors for brain injury. Risk factors include (but are not limited to) low APGAR scores, placental abruption and perinatal asphyxiation, and need for vigorous resuscitation on day 1 of life. Per AAP recommendations, initial CUS should occur within the first 7-10 days of life. Subsequent CUS should occur at 4-6 weeks of life and again at term corrected age or prior to hospital discharge. If abnormalities are detected at any point, serial CUS should be performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used as well.
Grades The Papile grading system is a CT-based classification system used to classify germinal matrix hemorrhage:
grade I - hemorrhage is confined to the germinal matrix. grade II - intraventricular hemorrhage without ventricular dilatation grade III - intraventricular hemorrhage with ventricular dilatation grade IV - intraventricular rupture and hemorrhage into the surrounding white matter In the grading system proposed by Papile, the grade 4 hemorrhages results from a subependymal bleeding into the adjacent brain parenchyma. Today, however, these bleedings are regarded as venous hemorrhagic infarctions. This is a result of veins compressed by the subependymal bleeding. The Volpe grading system, another widely accepted classification system, classifies germinal matrix hemorrhage based on cranial ultrasound imaging.
grade I: hemorrhage in the subependymal germinal matrix grade II: hemorrhage into the lateral ventricle without ventricular dilation, and/or hemorrhage occupying <50% of the ventricle grade III: ventricular dilation and/or hemorrhage occupying >50% of the ventricle grade IV: ventricular hemorrhage extending into the surrounding parenchyma In general, grades I-II are considered mild GM-IVH while grades III-IV are considered severe GM-IVH.
Prevention Given that the primary risk factor for germinal matrix hemorrhage is prematurity of the neonate, the main prevention strategies are targeted at decreasing the incidence of preterm birth. Antenatal corticosteroids have a role in reducing incidence of germinal matrix hemorrhage in premature infants. Corticosteroids suppress VEGF and promote TGF-beta, downregulating angiogenesis, improving pericyte coverage, and decreasing the likelihood of hemorrhage. Delayed umbilical cord clamping has also been associated with reduced incidence of lower grades of GMH. However, delayed clamping is only appropriate in vigorous infants not requiring neonatal resuscitation.
Management Treatment of GM-IVH is largely supportive and depends on the specific sequelae of the hemorrhage. It is important to maintain adequate blood pressure and provide respiratory support as needed to prevent further injury. The neonate may require intervention for hypotension, shock, anemia, and metabolic acidosis. EEG may be appropriate if seizure activity occurs. Stem cell-based therapies may help to treat germinal matrix hemorrhage, but there is currently no reliable evidence to support their use.
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