In premature infants, an association has been found between intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and the occurrence of which complication?

• A. Cardiac malformation
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Pneumothorax
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (C)

In preterm infants, intraventricular hemorrhage often occurs in the setting of severe respiratory disease that requires ventilation. Positive-pressure ventilation can cause barotrauma, leading to air leaks such as pneumothorax. When a pneumothorax develops, the infant’s oxygenation and ventilation worsen, and the instability of breathing and cerebral perfusion can be linked with the occurrence or worsening of IVH. So, pneumothorax is the complication most commonly associated with IVH in this population.

The other options don’t have as clear or direct a link to IVH in premature infants.