Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most important complications in
preterm infants. There is a biological basis posing the possibility of administering
phenobarbital to this population with the aim of reducing the risk of developing this
condition.
Key messages
􀃎 There is no difference between the administration and no administration of
postnatal phenobarbital to reduce the risk of developing intraventricular
haemorrhage in preterm infants.
􀃎 The administration of postnatal phenobarbital in preterm infants is associated with
an increase of the need of artificial ventilation.