Preventing Cerebral Palsy in Preemies

Ivanhoe Newswire

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A common treatment to delay labor is preventing cerebral palsy in pre-term infants, according to researchers.

One-third of all cases of cerebral palsy occur in infants born preterm. A method often used to prevent labor -- intravenous magnesium sulfate administered to mothers -- showed a significant reduction in cerebral palsy among preterm infants.

Researchers theorize the treatment protects against cerebral palsy by stabilizing blood vessels, protecting against damage from oxygen depletion and protecting against injury from swelling and inflammation.

"Cerebral palsy can't always be prevented, but the data from our study and its predecessors will help obstetricians make informed treatment decisions for the women under their care," Deborah Hirtz, M.D., a pediatric neurologist at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and an author of the study, was quoted as saying.

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The causes of cerebral palsy are not well understood by the medical community. Doctors say the brain may be injured or develop abnormally during pregnancy, birth or early childhood. Premature birth can occur for a number of reasons any time before the 37th week of pregnancy.

SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine, 2008

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