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Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(12): 1299-1307
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721850
Original Article

Does the Head Position Affect Neonatal Lateral Ventricular Volume?

Priyanka Roy 
1   Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
2   Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Marcus Lo
3   Clinical Neurological Science, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Soume Bhattacharya
4   Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London Health Science Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Roy Eagleson
5   Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Aaron Fenster
1   Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
2   Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Sandrine de Ribaupierre
1   Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
4   Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London Health Science Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
6   Department of Clinical Neurological Science, University of Western Ontario, London Health Science Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Funding This research was funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).
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Abstract

Objective This study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the lateral ventricular volumes, measured by three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) depending on the posture of the neonate (right and left lateral decubitus).

Study Design This was a prospective analysis of the lateral ventricular volumes of preterm neonates recruited from Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario (June 2018–November 2019). A total of 24 premature neonates were recruited. The first cohort of 18 unstable premature neonates were imaged with 3D US in their current sides providing 15 right-sided and 16 left-sided 3D US images. The neonates in the second cohort of six relatively stable infants were imaged after positioning in each lateral decubitus position for 30 minutes, resulting in 40 3D US images obtained from 20 posture change sessions. The images were segmented and the ventricle volumes in each lateral posture were compared with determine whether the posture of the head influenced the volume of the upper and lower ventricle.

Results For the first cohort who did not have their posture changed, the mean of the right and left ventricle volumes were 23.81 ± 15.51 and 21.61 ± 16.19 cm3, respectively, for the 15 images obtained in a right lateral posture and 13.96 ± 8.69 and 14.92 ± 8.77 cm3, respectively, for the 16 images obtained in the left lateral posture. Similarly, for the second cohort who had their posture changed, the mean of right and left ventricle volumes were 20.92 ± 17.3 and 32.74 ± 32.33 cm3, respectively, after 30 minutes in the right lateral posture, and 21.25 ± 18.4 and 32.65 ± 31.58 cm3, respectively, after 30 minutes in the left lateral posture. Our results failed to show a statistically significant difference in ventricular volumes dependence on posture.

Conclusion Head positioned to any lateral side for 30 minutes does not have any effect on the lateral ventricular volumes of neonates.

Key Points

  • Three-dimensional cranial ultrasound can measure neonatal ventricle volume.

  • Ventricle volume in each lateral ventricle may be affected by posture of the neonate.

  • The 30 minutes in any lateral posture is not sufficient to create volume difference in lateral ventricles.

Keywords

lateral ventricle - premature neonates - 3D US - right lateral and left lateral posture


Publication History

Received: 01 February 2020

Accepted: 16 November 2020

Article published online:
29 December 2020

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