Postnatal phenobarbital for the prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants

There is not enough evidence that phenobarbital is effective in preventing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature babies. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem of preterm birth. Large bleeds in the centre of the brain can cause disability or death in the preterm baby. Unstable blood pressure and blood flow to the brain are believed to cause IVH. The drug phenobarbital is believed to stabilise blood pressure and, therefore, potentially help prevent IVH. The review of trials found there was not enough evidence that postnatal phenobarbital is effective in preventing IVH. Furthermore, phenobarbitone suppresses breathing in infants who are breathing spontaneously, causing a need for mechanical ventilation.