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The relationship between head circumference and the development of communicating hydrocephalus in infants following

R Korobkin

    Pediatrics
    |July 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Rapidly enlarging head circumference is an unreliable indicator of hydrocephalus in premature infants following intraventricular hemorrhage. Close monitoring is essential as this sign may not correlate with clinical status changes.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatalogy
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Medical Imaging

    Background:

    • Enlarging head circumference is a recognized clinical sign of hydrocephalus in infants.
    • Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common complication in premature neonates.
    • The relationship between head growth and hydrocephalus post-IVH in preterm infants requires further clarification.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the reliability of rapid head circumference enlargement as an indicator of progressive hydrocephalus in neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage.
    • To determine the timing and clinical correlation of head growth acceleration after IVH in premature infants.

    Main Methods:

    • Longitudinal head circumference measurements were taken from birth in six neonates (29-36 weeks gestational age) with confirmed intraventricular hemorrhage.
    • Clinical status was monitored alongside head circumference changes.
    • Air ventriculography was performed to assess ventricular size in infants exhibiting accelerated head growth.

    Main Results:

    • All six infants demonstrated a sudden increase in head size 9 to 20 days post-hemorrhage, independent of clinical deterioration.
    • Air ventriculography confirmed moderate to severe ventricular dilation within three days of accelerated head growth.
    • The lack of clinical decline suggested slow, progressive ventricular enlargement from the time of hemorrhage.

    Conclusions:

    • Rapidly enlarging head circumference is an insensitive sign of hydrocephalus in premature infants following intraventricular hemorrhage.
    • Clinical status may not parallel rapid head growth in this population.
    • This finding necessitates careful interpretation of head circumference changes in preterm neonates post-IVH.

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