Management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in the preterm infant.

Abstract

We studied the use of a subcutaneous ventricular catheter reservoir in 19 preterm infants with birth posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. These infants were a poor risk for insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to their small size and hemorrhagic ventricular fluid at the time of diagnosis. The age at reservoir insertion was 29 +/- 9 days and the weight was 1,217 +/- 414 g. The reservoir was kept in place for 51 +/- 29 days with the removal of 527 +/- 421 mL of fluid by 57 +/- 42 taps. All infants tolerated the procedure well. Only two infants developed infection despite multiple reservoir taps. One infant expired due to unrelated causes. Three infants did not require a permanent shunt, while 15 infants had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted prior to discharge at 3 to 4 months of age. We conclude that ventricular catheter reservoir is a safe and effective palliative procedure in the management of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in small preterm infants.

• Authors: M Anwar, A J Doyle, S Kadam, I M Hiatt, T Hegyi
• Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery (J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 334-7 (Apr 1986) ISSN: 0022-3468 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2422341 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Apgar Score
• Birth Weight
• Cerebral Hemorrhage (complications)
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts
• Female
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Hydrocephalus (etiology, surgery)
• Infant
• Infant, Low Birth Weight
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature, Diseases (surgery)
• Male
• Palliative Care