New insights into the management of post- hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Abstract

During the last decade, an increasing number of studies have been conducted to improve the outcome of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), a complication of severe intraven-tricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants. Two randomized controlled trials have shown that treatment should be initiated prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Ventricu-lar access devices and subgaleal shunts are used as temporary neurosurgical interventions whereas ventriculoperitoneal shunts are performed for infants with progressive hydro-cephalus. Recently, techniques such as neuro-endoscopic lavage have also been introduced to eliminate toxic blood products and debris from the cerebral ventricles and have shown promise in early clinical studies. The objective of this review is to provide an update on management of PHVD and PHH in the preterm infant.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.