Modern Aspects of Post-haemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in Infants: Current Challenges and Prospects

Assem Shakeyeva1, Vassiliy Lozovoy1, Vassiliy Kuzmin1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Astana Medical University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

PubMed

Insights

This review examines post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in preterm infants, highlighting advanced diagnostics and treatments like neuroendoscopic lavage to improve outcomes and reduce complications. Further research is needed for less invasive methods and long-term results.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a significant complication in preterm infants following intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
  • Effective management is crucial to mitigate long-term neurological deficits and enhance quality of life.
  • Current approaches face challenges in balancing efficacy with invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess and discuss current diagnostic and treatment strategies for PHH in preterm neonates.
  • To identify areas for improvement in managing IVH-related hydrocephalus.
  • To provide insights for optimizing patient care and long-term outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A multilevel literature review of contemporary studies on IVH and PHH in preterm neonates.
  • Searches conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
  • Strict selection criteria and double independent assessments were applied.

Main Results:

  • Advanced neuroimaging is vital for accurate PHH diagnosis.
  • Neuroendoscopic lavage shows potential in reducing shunt dependency and infection risk.
  • Combined temporary and permanent drainage techniques demonstrate efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • PHH management in preterm infants is complex, requiring diverse diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
  • Further research is essential for long-term outcome evaluation and developing less invasive treatments.
  • This review aids healthcare professionals in timely decision-making to reduce complications and improve prognoses.

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
57
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
48
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component...
31
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins...
43
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
35
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
31