Is there anything that can be done to prevent pvl in a premature child?

NICU research: Pvl is the thing that all nicu docs try desperately to avoid. In very premature infants, the risk is so great that pretty much anything can predispose to an ivh (intraventricular hemorrhage) leading to pvl. Periods of low oxygen, infection, stress, low platelets, etc can lead to it. There are more, but a good nicu is already trying everything they can to avoid it.

IVH/PVH: Premature babies born at < 32 weeks gestation are at risk for periventricular hemorrhage (ivh/pvh). Later the pvh turns into pvh (periventricular leukomalacia). There are some precautions that the neonatologists can take to lower the risk of pvh in these babies but they cannot abolish the risk. Neonates who develop high grade of ivh/pvh (generally grade iii or iv) develop pvl.

Not if already born: PVL is a condition resulting from low blood flow to t he brain during pregnancy and after premature delivery. If the child has been born and has PVL, there is no specific treatment. at the time of birth, neonatologists work as hard as possible to maintain appropriate blood pressure in the infant in an effort to prevent PVL