A 28-week gestation infant was born via cesarean section due to preterm labor. The infant was immediately intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On the second day of life, the infant developed sudden deterioration, including bradycardia, apnea, and decreased responsiveness. A head ultrasound was performed, which revealed a grade III intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) involving the germinal matrix and lateral ventricles. Why are preterm infants particularly susceptible to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) involving the germinal matrix?
