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Epidemiology of infantile hydrocephalus in Saudi Arabia: birth prevalence and associated factors

W R Murshid1, J S Jarallah, M I Dad

  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. wmurshid@ksu.edu.sa

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|June 27, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Infantile hydrocephalus, a CNS disorder, showed a higher birth prevalence in Saudi Arabia than in developed nations. Associated factors include family history, low birth weight, and low Apgar scores, with significant early mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus is a prevalent pediatric central nervous system disorder.
  • Epidemiological data, especially from developing regions, are scarce.
  • This study addresses the need for data on infantile hydrocephalus prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the birth prevalence of infantile hydrocephalus.
  • To identify associated antenatal, natal, and postnatal factors.
  • To assess the early mortality rate in affected infants.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study conducted over one year in Saudi Arabia.
  • Included all hydrocephalus cases diagnosed within 28 days of life (excluding neural tube defects and brain tumors).
  • Compared 26 cases with 104 controls, collecting data via maternal interviews.

Main Results:

  • Identified 26 cases, yielding a birth prevalence of 1.6 per 1,000 live births.
  • Associated factors included multiple pregnancies (81%), consanguinity (73%), preterm birth (62%), low birth weight (69%), and low Apgar scores (69%).
  • The 6-month mortality rate was 23%.

Conclusions:

  • Infantile hydrocephalus birth prevalence in this Saudi Arabian cohort exceeds that in developed countries.
  • Positive family history, low birth weight, low Apgar scores, and abdominal delivery are significant associated factors.
  • Mortality in the first six months is notably higher in infants with hydrocephalus.
Abstract

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