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Am J Perinatol 1985; 2(2): 63-66
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999915
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1985 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Effect of Phenobarbital on Motor Activity and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Disease Weighing Less Than 1500 Grams

Fran L. Porter, Richard E. Marshall, JoAnn Moore, Richard H. Miller
  • Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The use of prophylactic phenobarbital to reduce motor activity and intraventricular hemorrhage was investigated in a controlled exploratory trial with 19 low birthweight premature infants with respiratory disease. Although phenobarbital significantly suppressed movement, it was associated with an increased incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Phenobarbital-treated infants were over eight times more likely to experience IVH than were untreated infants. These data indicate that inhibition of motor activity by phenobarbital may not alleviate the key pathogenetic factors in IVH.

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