Brain injury in the premature infant

Periventricular-intraventricular haemorrhage (PIVH), parenchymal haemorrhagic infarction (PHI) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) are the major causes of brain injury in the premature infant. Before an understanding of the pathogenesis and risk factors for these problems can be gained, it is essential to appreciate the factors that cause the premature infant’s brain to be vulnerable to injury (Volpe 1997).