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Published on: November 20, 2015
Early prognosis of low birthweight infants treated for progressive posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Insights
Ventriculoperitoneal diversion for posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants showed mixed outcomes. While some infants improved with cerebrospinal fluid management, 50% experienced moderate to severe developmental delays by 20 months.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Progressive posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a serious complication in low birthweight preterm infants.
- Cerebrospinal fluid diversion is a common treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of ventriculoperitoneal diversion in low birthweight preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
- To identify factors associated with prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of twelve low birthweight preterm infants treated with ventriculoperitoneal diversion.
- Assessment of neurodevelopmental outcomes at a median postnatal age of 20 months.
- Correlation of early clinical events (convulsions, cerebrospinal fluid taps) with outcomes.
Main Results:
- Six out of twelve infants (50%) exhibited moderate to severe intellectual disability at 20 months.
- Early-onset convulsions within the first week of life were linked to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Frequent cerebrospinal fluid removal via taps was associated with a better prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Ventriculoperitoneal diversion for posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus in this cohort resulted in significant neurodevelopmental impairment in half of the infants.
- Prognosis is influenced by early clinical factors, suggesting a need for tailored management strategies.
Abstract:
Twelve low birthweight preterm infants were treated for progressive posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus by ventriculoperitoneal diversion of cerebrospinal fluid. At a median postnatal age of 20 months, 6 were moderately or severely retarded. Convulsions in the first week of life were associated with a poorer prognosis and frequent taps to remove cerebrospinal fluid with a better outcome.
