Answer and Discussion of Quiz Set: J-004

2.   In addition to infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), which of the following conditions are likely to be seen in premature neonates born at 26-28 weeks of gestation?

A.  Necrotizing enterocolitis.

B.  Intraventricular hemorrhage in the brain.

C.  Periventricular leukomalacia.

D.  Only A and B.

E.  All of the above.

Answer and Discussion: The answer is (D). Intraventricular hemorrhage in the brain occurs often in this age of premature neonates and the most common source is the germinal matrix located over the ganglionic eminence (the area covering the ventricular surface of the basal ganglia). Periventricular leukomalicia, in contrast, are often seen in premature neonates that are born in later gestation and are  more commonly seen in those that are born after 28 weeks of gestations. At this stage of development, the highly cellular and delicate germinal matrix has matured and mostly disappeared. Intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants and Periventricular leukomalacia do not typically overlap.