Episodes of hypocarbia and early-onset sepsis are risk factors for cystic periventricular leukomalacia in the preterm infant

► Besides preterm premature rupture of the membranes and chorioamnionitis early-onset sepsis remains an additional risk factor fort he development of cystic PVL. ► The association between hypocarbia and PVL is stringent. However, the individual risk assessment is difficult in clinical routine. ► Neurodevelopmental follow-up of infants with cystic PVL reveals adverse neurological outcome in the majority of infants.