Abstract
We investigated the use of phenobarbital for the prevention of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in preterm infants with birth-weights less than 1500 gm. Thirty-five infants less than 6 hours of age were randomized to control or treatment groups. Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of phenobarbital 10 mg/kg upon admission and 12 hours later, followed by maintenance 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. Serum levels were maintained at 20-30 μg/ml. Therapy was stopped after the seventh day. Infants were evaluated for ICH by transillumination, cranial ultrasonography, computed tomography or post-mortem examination.
No differences could be found between the groups for birth-weights, gestational ages, Apgar scores, or other high-risk factors associated with ICH such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis, bicarbonate administration, alveolar rupture, hypotension and use of volume expanders. No adverse reactions to the phenobarbital were observed in any of the patients. We conclude that phenobarbital may effectively decrease the incidence of ICH in this population.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Donn, S., Roloff, D. & Goldstein, G. 1570 USE OF PHENOBARBITAL FOR THE PREVENTION OF NEONATAL INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE: A CONTROLLED TRIAL. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 705 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01587
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01587