Quality of life in childhood hydrocephalus: a review.
OBJECTIVE
Those with hydrocephalus view quality of life (QOL) as the most important of outcomes. The literature on QOL in hydrocephalus is growing, and we now recognize several of the factors that potentially influence outcome in these children. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the latest findings and how to critically analyze the QOL literature.


METHODS
This paper will attempt to review some general scientific concepts about QOL that neurosurgeons can apply to all patients. As well, we will describe, in some detail, what we currently understand about QOL issues in childhood hydrocephalus specifically, and where future research might take us.


CONCLUSIONS
Quality-of-life assessment is becoming important in advancing our scientific understanding of hydrocephalus.
Kulkarni
Abhaya V
AV
Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. abhaya.kulkarni@sickkids.ca
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life