title: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts in low birth weight infants with intracranial hemorrhage: neurodevelopmental outcome.
abstract: Fifty preterm infants (mean birth weight, 1266 +/- 303 g; mean gestational age, 30 +/- 2 weeks) who required a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (92% with Grade III or IV hemorrhage) were followed for neurodevelopmental problems. VP shunts were placed at a median age of 29 days (range, 18 to 87 days) after serial lumbar punctures failed to control progressive and symptomatic ventriculomegaly. A total of 34 infants (68%) required one shunt revision or more, and the overall infection rate per patient was 50%. Seven infants died, 2 from shunt infections. The infants were evaluated with audiological, ophthalmological, and neurodevelopmental examinations. Of the survivors, 11 (28%) have severe visual loss and 10 (24%) have hearing impairment. Of the infants, 21 (49%) have severe motor handicaps and 19 (38%) have seizure disorders. Developmental and motor scores were obtained using the Bayley or Knobloch-Gesell scales. Seven infants (18%) have normal developmental outcomes; 26 (60%) have multiple handicaps. Grade IV hemorrhage or the occurrence of seizures was a predictor of poor neurodevelopmental outcome. We conclude that progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in low birth weight infants is associated with multiple handicaps despite early VP shunt placement.
mesh_terms: D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D034381:Hearing Loss; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012640:Seizures; D014786:Vision Disorders