Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Use of an intravenous-type catheter for cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
OBJECTIVE
To report a 9-year experience with the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) with the use of an easily inserted external ventricular drain.


METHODS
A case series with a retrospective review of hospital records and cranial ultrasound results, from 1981 through 1989, in all infants with PHH.


METHODS
A previously defined method of identification and bedside management of PHH was applied. If infants reached 2 kg of body weight and PHH recurred, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted.


RESULTS
A total of 70 procedures were performed in 24 patients, and all were associated with a decrease in head circumference and ventricular size on ultrasound scan. One infection occurred, and only 12 infants required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique compared favorably with other methods of intervention to avoid early placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in preterm infants and offered the advantage of consistently decreasing ventricular size. A multicenter-controlled trial will be needed to compare the safety and efficacy of therapies for PHH.
Department of Pediatrics, Maine Medical Center, Portland.
P J
PJ
Marro
D A
DA
Dransfield
S H
SH
Mott
W C
WC
Allan
D001835:Body Weight; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000592:standards*; D002508:Cephalometry; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography