Causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage in newborns

Neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most common type of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates. Birth trauma, in particular, is the most common factor causing neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. For example, dystocia and hypoxia can pose a great threat to newborns.

1. First, understand what subarachnoid hemorrhage is

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an acute hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease caused by rupture of blood vessels at the base of the brain or on the surface of the brain and spinal cord due to various causes. The blood flows directly into the subarachnoid space, which is also called primary subarachnoid hemorrhage. In addition, critical clinical cases can also be seen in which blood penetrates the brain tissue and flows into the subarachnoid space due to intracerebral hemorrhage, ventricular hemorrhage, epidural or subdural blood vessel rupture, etc., which is called secondary subarachnoid hemorrhage. There are also traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, which accounts for about % of acute stroke and % of hemorrhagic stroke.

2. Neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most common type of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates. The main causes of bleeding are hypoxia and birth trauma, among which hypoxia is the main high-risk factor.

Premature infants have not yet fully developed the function of synthesizing coagulation factors in their livers. Especially in cases of hypoxia such as intrauterine distress, their brain tissue becomes congested and edematous, and the permeability of their blood vessels increases, causing oozing or bleeding. In addition, hypoxia can also reduce the function of synthesizing coagulation factors in the liver, aggravating bleeding.

3. Birth trauma is another high-risk factor for neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is common in full-term infants with a history of dystocia. Hypoxia increases the permeability and fragility of capillaries, making them more susceptible to rupture and bleeding when subjected to mechanical traction. The above factors may exist simultaneously and cause neonatal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

4. If the amount of bleeding is small and the baby can absorb it by himself, be careful to shake and move the head as little as possible. Go for a head CT or MRI after one month. Once the critical period of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has passed, the most important thing is early intervention. For example: (1) Visual stimulation: hang a bright red ball on the head of the bed to tease or look at people's faces every day; (2) Auditory stimulation: play low-pitched and melodious music 3 times a day, 15 minutes each time; (3) Tactile stimulation: passive flexion of limbs, touching and massage. It is very helpful for the baby's future development. You can look up some information on this! I believe it will be much more detailed and complete than what I say here!