Does Phenobarbitone Prevent Periventricular Hemorrhage in Very Low-Birth-Weight Babies?: A Controlled Trial

Abstract

The effect of prophylactic phenobarbitone in reducing periventricular hemorrhage was evaluated by a controlled trial in 60 very low-birth-weight infants. The incidence and severity of periventricular hemorrhage, as assessed by real-time ultrasound did not differ significantly between treated and untreated infants. Phenobarbitone may be less useful in preventing neonatal brain injury than previously suggested.