Intraventricular hemorrhage and prematurity.

Intraventricular hemorrhage or hemorrhage into the germinal matrix tissues of the developing brain with possible rupture into the ventricular system and parenchyma remains a major problem of preterm neonates and is believed to be attributed to alterations in cerebral blood flow to a damaged germinal matrix capillary bed. Topics discussed in this article include germinal matrix anatomy and physiology, neuropathology, risk of hemorrhage, diagnostic imaging techniques, clinical manifestations, posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, treatment, and outcomes.