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The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects
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Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of infancy

R J Hudgins1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA. rjhudgins@pediatricneurosurgery.net

Neurosurgery Clinics of North America
|August 29, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants are at high risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). This review offers guidelines for treating hydrocephalus in these vulnerable infants, considering fibrinolytic therapy and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Premature infants, particularly those with very low birth weight, face significant risks of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
  • Intraventricular hemorrhage can lead to posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), a serious complication in neonates.
  • Current treatment strategies and timing for PHH remain a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of IVH and PHH in premature infants.
  • To establish a guideline for the management of hydrocephalus in this high-risk population.
  • To review current evidence on fibrinolytic therapy and its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on IVH and PHH in premature neonates.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations.
  • Evaluation of treatment guidelines and therapeutic interventions, including fibrinolytic agents.

Main Results:

  • Discussion of the anatomical and physiological factors predisposing premature infants to IVH.
  • Presentation of clinical signs and symptoms associated with IVH and PHH.
  • Exploration of controversies surrounding the optimal timing and methods for treating hydrocephalus.

Conclusions:

  • Premature infants require careful monitoring for IVH and PHH due to specific vulnerabilities.
  • A clear guideline for hydrocephalus management is crucial for improving outcomes.
  • Further research into fibrinolytic therapy and its long-term neurodevelopmental effects is warranted.

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