الفهرس 
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Abstract
Prematurity refers to the broad category of neonates born at less than 37 weeks’ gestation. Although the estimated date of confinement (EDC) is 40 weeks’ gestation, the World Health Organization (WHO) broadened the range of full term to include 37-42 weeks’ gestation (Furdon A et al ,2013).
Despite major advances in monitoring technology and knowledge of fetal and neonatal pathologies, perinatal asphyxia or, more appropriately, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), remains a serious condition that causes significant mortality and long-term morbidity (Zanelli A et al ,2013).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) published guidelines to assist in the diagnosis of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (Zanelli A et al ,2013).
The incidence of long-term complications depends on the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. As many as 80% of infants who survive severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy develop serious complications, 10-20% develop moderately serious disabilities, and as many as 10% are healthy. Among the infants who survive moderately severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, 30-50% may have serious long-term complications, and 10-20% have minor neurological morbidities. Infants with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy tend to be free from serious CNS complications (Zanelli A et al ,2013).
The following studies are indicated in patients at risk for periventricular hemorrhage–intra ventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH) and those who have PVH-IVH:
• Cranial ultrasonography
• Ultrasonography is the diagnostic tool of choice for screening examination and follow-up of individuals with PVH-IVH. Current recommendations by the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology suggest that all infants younger than 30 weeks’ gestation be screened by cranial ultrasonography at 7-14 days postnatal life and at 36-40 weeks postmenstrual age (Annibale J et al, 2012).
• Ultrasonography is also the diagnostic tool of choice for the follow-up of individuals with PVH-IVH and post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, as shown below. Serial ultrasonography is indicated weekly to follow for progression of hemorrhage and the development of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. (Annibale J, et al, 2012).
• CT scan
• Prior to the availability of ultrasonography, CT scanning was used for diagnosis and follow-up.
• CT scanning is no longer used for diagnosis and follow-up in view of the safety and cost effectiveness of sonography. (Annibale J ,et al 2012).
• MRI: The use of MRI to diagnose associated white mater injury (per ventricular leukomalacia [PVL] is evolving. (Annibale J,et al 2012)