Abstract
TCZ, the resistance to a 100 μamp alternating current passed between two surface scalp electrodes, decreases with hydrocephalus in infants. Since the impedance of blood is greater than the impedance of water, the replacement of CSF by blood (as occurs in IVH) should raise TCZ.
Normal neonatal TCZ values were established from serial measurements during the first 8 days of life in 71 neonates ranging in gestational age (GA) from 26 to 43 wks. At all postnatal ages (PNA) with >15 observations there was a significant correlation between GA and TCZ (r=0.62-0.85, p<0.01). With the exception of day 5-6 for GA 26-29 wks, there were no detectable day-to-day changes in TCZ within GA groups.
Seven babies with autopsy-proven IVH had serial TCZ measurements throughout their clinical course. TCZ rose from 25.5±0.9 ohms (mean±SEM) before to 35.6±3.7 (p<0.05) after clinical deterioration. The latter value was also greater than the mean TCZ obtained from 19 neonates of comparable GA and PNA who did not have IVH (35.6±3.7 ohms vs 28.0±0.7, p<0.05). TCZ values rose ≥6 ohms from the first measurement to the last in 6/7 IVH babies but in only 2/19 normal babies (GA=26-30 wks), x2=18.80, p<0.001.
TCZ reliably detected IVH. It is safe, inexpensive and easily measured. When obtained serially and prospectively, it has the potential to further define the clinical correlates, timing and pathophysiology of IVH. Since TCZ is related to GA it may also be useful in the clinical assessment of GA.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Siddiqi, S., Brown, D., Dallmann, D. et al. 1155 DETECTION OF INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRME (IVH) BY TRANSCEPHALIC IMPEDANCE (TCZ). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 556 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01161
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01161
