Infection and Periventricular Leukomalacia

Описание: Infection and Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL): How Maternal or Newborn Infection Can Lead to Brain Injury

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a serious white matter brain injury that is commonly seen in premature infants. One major risk factor that parents may not realize is infection — either maternal infection during pregnancy or infection in a premature newborn after birth.

When a mother develops an infection — such as chorioamnionitis, sepsis, or other inflammatory conditions — the body releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines can cross into the baby’s bloodstream and affect the developing brain.

Cytokines trigger an inflammatory cascade that can damage fragile white matter tissue in the brain. White matter acts as the brain’s wiring system, helping control movement and coordination. When white matter is injured, it can lead to movement disorders, including cerebral palsy.

Premature babies are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. After birth, if a premature infant develops infection and it is not recognized and treated promptly, the inflammatory response can further increase the risk of PVL and long-term neurological complications.

Early recognition and treatment of infection is critical. That includes:

• Timely diagnosis of maternal infections
• Prompt administration of IV antibiotics
• Careful monitoring of premature infants
• Immediate treatment of neonatal infections

When infection is missed or treatment is delayed, the consequences can be lifelong.

If your child was born prematurely and later diagnosed with PVL or cerebral palsy, reviewing the infection timeline — both before and after birth — is extremely important.

📍 Adam Funk
Birth Injury Attorney – Houston, Texas

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