Insights in Biomedicine Open Access

A Note on Periventricular Leukomalacia

Ojochenemi Ejeh Yakubu^* Federal University Wukari, PMB 1020, Katsina Ala Rd, Nigeria
^*Correspondence: Ojochenemi Ejeh Yakubu, Federal University Wukari, PMB 1020, Katsina Ala Rd, Nigeria, Email:

Received: 12-Dec-2021 Published: 30-Dec-2021

Opinion

PVL, or periventricular leukomalacia, is a kind of brain injury that occurs in premature babies. Small patches of brain tissue die surrounding fluid-filled areas called ventricles in this disorder. The brain develops "holes" as a result of the damage. The term "leuko" refers to the white matter of the brain. PVL is a condition in which the white matter of the brain dies as a result of brain tissue softening. It can affect foetuses or infants, with premature babies being the most vulnerable. PVL is caused by a shortage of oxygen or blood flow to the area around the brain's ventricles, resulting in brain tissue death. Despite the fact that most babies with PVL show no signs or symptoms, they do have the condition.

Although the specific aetiology of PVL is unknown, it is assumed to be caused by a lack of blood supply to the parts of the brain surrounding the ventricles (the fluid-filled cavities of the brain). This part of the brain is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in premature babies with delicate brain tissue. PVL is more likely to occur when a baby is born prematurely. The softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles is known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The brain's ventricles are fluid-filled chambers. The cerebrospinal fluid is stored in these compartments in the brain (CSF). The white matter is the brain's innermost layer. It transmits data between nerve cells and the spinal cord, as well as from one portion of the body to another.

PVL is caused by the death or injury of brain tissue. PVL is caused by a shortage of blood supply to the brain tissue before, during, or after birth. It's rare to be able to predict when or why this occurs. PVL has been associated to internal bleeding in the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage). PVL can develop in premature newborns (preterm or premature). The nerve cells that regulate motor movements can be affected by PVL because of the damaged brain tissue. The injured nerve cells cause the muscles to become tight or unsteady (spastic) and difficult to move as the baby grows. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies with PVL. This is a disorder that causes muscle control issues. PVL can also affect a child's ability to learn.

PVL is unknown as to why it happens. This part of the brain is especially sensitive to harm in preterm newborns, whose brain structures are more delicate. PVL can occur when the brain receives insufficient blood or oxygen. However, it is unclear when PVL occurs. It can happen before, during, or after the birth of a child. PVL affects the majority of preterm newborns, especially those born before 30 weeks. PVL has also been associated to early bursting or rupture of membranes (amniotic sac) and uterine infection.