OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of different types of brain injury in preterm infants and their influencing factors.

METHODSThe clinical data and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 239 preterm infants were collected, and the influence of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum factors on brain injury in preterm infants was analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence rate of brain injury in preterm infants was 25.5%; among these infants, 10.5% had hemorrhagic brain injury, 10.5% had ischemic brain injury, and 4.6% and hemorrhagic and ischemic brain injury. The infants with a lower gestational age had higher incidence rates of hemorrhagic brain injury and overall brain injury (P<0.01). The incidence rates of ischemic brain injury and hemorrhagic and ischemic brain injury were not correlated with gestational age (P>0.05). The incidence rates of hemorrhagic, ischemic, and overall brain injury were not correlated with birth weight (P>0.05). Multiparity (OR=0.292, 95%CI 0.088-0.972) and cesarean section (OR=0.075, 95%CI 0.015-0.368) were protective factors against brain injury in infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks; cesarean section (OR=0.296, 95%CI 0.131-0.672) was the protective factor against brain injury in infants with a gestational age of ≤34 weeks, and severe infection (OR=8.176, 95%CI 1.202-55.617) was the risk factor.

CONCLUSIONSIn order to prevent or reduce the occurrence of brain injury in preterm infants. the gestational age of preterm infants should be prolonged as much as possible and the indications for cesarean section should be grasped. Infections should be prevented and if occurring should be treated actively and effectively.