Significant differences in neurobehavioral examination were noted in 11 premature infants (BW 836 +/- 193g, GA 26.1 +/- 2.2wks) with IVH compared to 16 controls (BW 1072 +/- 242g, GA 28.7 +/- 2.2wks). The standardized Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) exam was applied at 34-36 wks. The results were expressed as a ratio between raw and normative data[*p<0.03]: Table

Table 1
Full size table

IVH infants were hypertonic (scarf sign, popliteal angle) and more alert(alertness and orientation, sleep time) compared to controls. Significant positive correlations were noted between scarf sign and popliteal angle and significant negative correlations between alertness and sleep time. IVH results in signs of upper motor neuron disturbance and altered states of alertness. The neurobehavioral examination may be a useful tool to identify those at greater risk for later handicap.