Asymptomatic subdural hemorrhage in Newborns Not Tied to Long-Term Harm

Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is thought to have a benign course in asymptomatic neonates. However, effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes have not been established.

Hence Carlos Zamora and associates from the Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, conducted the present study to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes, gray matter volumes, and MRI findings in asymptomatic neonates with SDH compared with control neonates.

This retrospective analysis was conducted among 311 neonates including 57 with SDH, between 2003 and 2016 and was based on data from the University of North Carolina Early Brain Development Study. The subgroup included 55 neonates with SDH and 55 matched control neonates. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated at 2 years of age by using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). All infants were imaged with 3.0-T MRI machines and were evaluated for SDH at baseline (neonates) and at ages 1 and 2 years. Volumetric MRI for brain segmentation was performed at ages 1 and 2 years. A secondary analysis was performed in neonates matched 1:1 with control neonates. Differences in categorical variables were measured.

The following findings were noted-

1. Fifty-five of 57 neonates with SDH were delivered vaginally compared with 157 of 254 control neonates.
2. There were no differences in perinatal, maternal, or obstetric parameters.
3. There were no differences in composite MSEL scores or gray matter volumes between the neonatal SDH group and control neonates.
4. There was no evidence of rebleeding at follow-up MRI.

Therefore, the authors concluded that "Neurodevelopmental scores and gray matter volumes at age 2 years did not differ between asymptomatic neonates with subdural hemorrhage and control neonates."