The objective of the present study is to examine the association between the presence of various forms of matrix metalloproteinase genes (<i>MMP-1</i>, <i>MMP-9</i>, <i>TIMP-1</i> and <i>TIMP-2</i>) and their tissue inhibitors, and the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in premature neonates. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is Intraventricular hemorrhage.