title: Asymmetry of the cerebral blood flow: an ultrasound Doppler study in preterm newborns.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the preference of periventricular hemorrhage (PVH) for the left hemisphere is due to asymmetry of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and, if so, whether this asymmetry is due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Thirty-three preterm newborns at risk for PVH were followed during their first 5 days after birth. Internal carotid CBF velocity (CBFV) and the flow direction in the common pulmonary artery, both determined by ultrasound Doppler, served as measures of CBF and PDA, respectively. The difference between right and left CBFV was analyzed statistically, with outcome, PDA, capillary PCO2, behavior, heart rate, and the average of right and left CBFV as covariates. Infants who developed PVH (n = 7) exhibited CBFV asymmetry to the disadvantage of the left side. This finding was partially attributable to PDA. Without PVH there was no significant CBFV asymmetry. Because all hemorrhages were bilateral, a relationship with the side of the hemorrhage could not be explored. In conclusion, asymmetry of CBFV is not normal, but is associated with PVH and PDA.
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Division, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Mullaart
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Daniëls
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hopman
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: de Haan
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Stoelinga
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Rotteveel
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler