Ventriculosubgaleal shunt: a treatment option for progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Long-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage: a nationwide population study from 2011 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Advancements in neonatal care have increased preterm infant survival but paradoxically raised intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates. This study explores IVH prevalence and long-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Korea over a decade.

METHODS

Using Korean National Health Insurance data (NHIS, 2010-2019), we identified 3372 VLBW infants with IVH among 4,129,808 live births. Health-related claims data, encompassing diagnostic codes, diagnostic test costs, and administered procedures were sourced from the NHIS database. The results of the developmental assessments  are categorized into four groups based on standard deviation (SD) scores. Neonatal characteristics and complications were compared among the groups. Logistic regression models were employed to identify significant changes in the incidence of complications and to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for each risk factor associated with mortality and morbidity in IVH. Long-term growth and development were compared between the two groups (years 2010-2013 and 2014-2017).

RESULTS

IVH prevalence was 12% in VLBW and 16% in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Over the past decade, IVH rates increased significantly in ELBW infants (P = 0.0113), while mortality decreased (P = 0.0225). Major improvements in certain neurodevelopmental outcomes and reductions in early morbidities have been observed among VLBW infants with IVH. Ten percent of the population received surgical treatments such as external ventricular drainage (EVD) or a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, with the choice of treatment methods remaining consistent over time. The IVH with surgical intervention group exhibited higher incidences of delayed development, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and growth failure (height, weight, and head circumference) up to 72 months of age (P < 0.0001). Surgical treatments were also significantly associated with abnormal developmental screening test results.

CONCLUSIONS

The neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with IVH, especially those subjected to surgical treatments, continue to be a matter of concern. It is imperative to prioritize specialized care for patients receiving surgical treatments and closely monitor their growth and development after discharge to improve developmental prognosis. Supplementary file2 (MP4 77987 kb).

Short Efficacy Evaluation of External Ventricular Drains Versus Ventriculosubgaleal Shunt in the Management of Neonatal Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Different temporizing neurosurgical procedures are available for the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short efficacy of the external ventricular drains (EVDs) and the ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) shunt.

METHODS

This is a Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-conformed retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were (1) gestational age <37 weeks, (2) birth weight <1500 g, (3) posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus because of intraventricular hemorrhage grade II/III, and (4) EVD or VSG shunt procedure before ventriculoperitoneal (VP)-definite shunt. Twenty-four newborns were collected from 2006 to 2022. The end points considered were infectious events, proteinorrachia, reintervention rate, and time to conversion to definite VP shunt.

RESULTS

Overall, 12/24 newborns underwent EVD, and the remnant had a VSG shunt. The results showed a statistically significant difference ( P = .02) concerning cerebrospinal fluid infections between the EVD group (50%) and VSG shunt 1 (8.33%). The reintervention rate of EVD was significantly higher (66.67%) compared with that of the VSG shunt group (8.33%). A statistically significant difference was stated between the 2 groups (t[13] = -8.250; P < .001) (mean difference ± standard error; 10.5 ± 1.273) in the mean number of days elapsed from the achievement of the ideal weight (2000 g) to the definitive VP drainage.

CONCLUSION

The increased infectious risk and the higher reintervention rate in EVD were confirmed in this study. In addition, a significant delay in the time to -conversion from EVD to VP shunt was demonstrated. Despite these optimal results, the VSG shunt remains a low practiced intervention, probably because of the limited operator experience.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt: an institutional experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) was first described in 1896 by Von Mickulicz. It allows CSF to flow from the dilated ventricle to the subgaleal pouch developed in the scalp through a small silicon tube. The possibility that the hydrocephalic state in infants caused by hemorrhage/ + infection will only last a short while prompts the search for temporary management options, which must be a closed system in order to be more physiological given that these infants are frequently preterm (LBW) and immunologically immature. VSGS is one such option. To the best of our knowledge, most of the studies done on VSGS are retrospective, and there are very few prospective studies (none on Indian subjects till now). We aim to study the efficacy of VSGS in preventing the placement of VP Shunt in infants with post-hemorrhagic/post-infectious hydrocephalus.

METHOD

Our study (prospective observational) comprises 30 infants in whom VSGS was inserted at Sir Gangaram Hospital between August 2017 and October 2020 and who were followed up for 6 months after VSGS insertion.

RESULT

Most of the infants had a birth weight between 1501 and 2000 g with a mean gestational age of 31.2 weeks. Thirteen out of 30 patients did not require the placement of VP shunt. The rates were higher in the post-infectious group (50%) in contrary to the post hemorrhagic group where it was 38.8%. Complications encountered with VSGS include CSF leak (13.3%) and wound dehiscence (6.6%). None had VSGS blockage, migration, and infection.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that VSGS is a reliable, safe, easy to perform, and temporary treatment option in infants with post-hemorrhagic and post-infectious hydrocephalus and helps in avoiding VP shunt dependency in nearly half of them.

Ventriculo-subgaleal shunts-broadening the horizons: an institutional experience

OBJECTIVE

Ventriculo-subgaleal shunt is an established treatment of hydrocephalus following germinal matrix haemorrhage in low birth weight neonates. It is also used in treatment of post-infective hydrocephalus in children. We intend to emphasise the impact of its extended use in multiple clinical conditions to reduce the number of permanent shunt implantation in infants.

METHOD

Retrospective review of clinical cases in a single institution from medical records.

RESULTS

VSG shunts with low-pressure valve system were useful in variety of hydrocephalus in infants (post-haemorrhagic, post-infective, post-myelomeningocele, post-shunt block, post-traumatic, hydrocephalus associated with brain tumours). A significant number of infants especially those with post-haemorrhagic and post-myelomeningocele hydrocephalus could be made free of permanent shunt placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Ventriculo-subgaleal shunt is an effective, less risky temporary solution of hydrocephalus in infants and can be used in a variety of hydrocephalus in children and helps in avoiding shunt dependency in some of them.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt and neuroendoscopic lavage: refining the treatment algorithm of neonatal post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of neonatal post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is still debated, though several treatment options have been proposed. In the last years, ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSgS) and neuroendosdcopic lavage (NEL) have been proposed to overcome the drawbacks of more traditional options, such as external ventricular drainage and ventricular access device.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed neonates affected by PHH treated at our institution since September 2012 to September 2020. Until 2017 patients received VSgS as initial treatment. After the introduction of NEL, this treatment option was offered to patients with large intraventricular clots. After NEL, VSgS was always placed. Primary VSgS was reserved to patients without significant intraventricular clots and critically ill patients that could not be transferred to the operating room and undergo a longer surgery.

RESULTS

We collected 63 babies (38 males and 25 females) with mean gestational age of 27.8 ± 3.8SD weeks (range 23-38.5 weeks) and mean birthweight of 1199.7 ± 690.6 SD grams (range 500-3320 g). In 6 patients, hemorrhage occurred in the third trimester of gestation, while in the remaining cases hemorrhage complicated prematurity. This group included 37 inborn and 26 outborn babies. Intraventricular hemorrhage was classified as low grade (I-II according to modified Papile grading scale) in 7 cases, while in the remaining cases the grade of hemorrhage was III to IV. Mean age at first neurosurgical procedure was 32.2 ± 3.6SD weeks (range 25.4-40 weeks). Death due to prematurity occurred in 5 patients. First-line treatment was VSgS in 49 patients and NEL in the remaining 14 cases. Mean longevity of VSgS was 30.3 days (range 10-97 days) in patients finally requiring an additional treatment of hydrocephalus. Thirty-two patients required one to three redo VSgS. Interval from initial treatment to permanent shunt ranged from 14 to 312 days (mean 70.9 days). CSF infection was observed in 5 patients (7.9%). Shunt dependency was observed in 51 out of 58 surviving patients, while 7 cases remained shunt-free at the last follow-up. Multiloculated hydrocephalus was observed in 14 cases. Among these, only one patient initially received NEL and was complicated by isolated trapped temporal horn.

CONCLUSIONS

VSgS and NEL are two effective treatment options in the management of PHH. Both procedures should be part of the neurosurgical armamentarium to deal with PHH, since they offer specific advantages in selected patients. A treatment algorithm combining these two options may reduce the infectious risk and the risk of multiloculated hydrocephalus.

From the heart to the bladder-particularities of ventricular shunt topography and the current status of cerebrospinal fluid diversion sites

Hydrocephalus represents the pathological elevation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels as a consequence of various embryological or acquired defects. Although the classic method of treatment is by means of diverting the CSF from the ventricular system towards the peritoneum, there are other sites of diversion that have proven their efficiency through time, in the context of complications related to the more common option of intraperitoneal insertion. The aim of the review is to assess and organize a database of all the types of shunt locations from the oldest shunt attempts until present, using Pubmed and Medline and to underline the particularities related to technique, indications, complications and associated epidemiological background. Current literature reveals up to 36 sites of diversion of CSF with a diverse topography varying from cephalic regions such as venous sinuses or mastoid bone, thoracic elements such as the heart or the pleura and abdominopelvic segments such as the peritoneum or the urinary bladder. Several atypical locations were studied such as the fallopian and intestinal shunts. Although ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoatrial shunts are the most commonly used shunts today, there are some systems such as the ventriculosinusal and ventriculolymphatic shunts that prove to be equally as efficient. The successful treatment of hydrocephalus requires a complete comprehension of the indications and therapeutic options and a reliable evaluation of the risks and possible complications. The profile of cerebral ventricular shunts is highly dynamic and the spectrum of cerebrospinal fluid diversion offers multiple solutions in the benefit of the patient.

Outcome of Ventriculosubgaleal Shunt in the Management of Infectious and Non-infectious Hydrocephalus in Pre-term Infants

Background:

Hydrocephalus in premature infants is an onerous disease. In such situations, choosing the best option for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is difficult. Ventriculosubgaleal shunt is an effective method of temporary CSF diversion in such situations. In this retrospective study, we compare the outcome of ventriculosubgaleal shunt in premature infants with hydrocephalus of infectious and noninfectious etiology.

Materials and Methods:

All premature children with hydrocephalus secondary to various etiologies who underwent ventriculosubgaleal shunt were studied. The participants were grouped into two depending upon the etiology of hydrocephalus: Group 1 (infectious) and Group 2 (non-infectious). The primary outcome was a successful conversion to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and the secondary outcome was mortality. Data were entered into statistical software SPSS version 16 and appropriate statistical analysis was performed to conclude any statistical significance between groups.

Results:

The study included 16 infants among whom 9 were in the infectious group and 7 in the non-infectious group. Primary end point of conversion to VPS was achieved in 55.5% of patients in group 1 and 85.7% in group 2. The secondary end point, i.e., mortality was observed in 44.4% of patients in group 1 and 14.2% in group 2. The average duration during which this was achieved was 40 days (range 20–60 days) in group 1 and 25 days (range 20–30 days) in group 2.

Conclusion:

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt is a safe and effective procedure in infants awaiting definitive VPS for hydrocephalus of infectious as well as noninfectious origin. There was no statistical difference in the rate of successful conversion to a permanent VPS from ventriculosubgaleal shunt in hydrocephalus of either etiologies. Complications and time for successful conversion were more in postmeningitic hydrocephalus.

Comparison between Ventriculosubgaleal Shunt and Extraventricular Drainage to Treat Acute Hydrocephalus in Adults

Context:

Hydrocephalus, due to subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), meningitis, or tumor compression, is usually transient and may resolve after treatment. There are several temporary methods of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, none of it is superior to the other, and the decision is based on its various etiologies and factors. Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) is one of those temporary measures, which is a simple and rapid CSF decompression method without causing electrolyte and nutritional losses.

Aims:

The aim is to study the efficacy of VSGS for temporary CSF diversion, compared to extraventricular drainage (EVD) in adult hydrocephalus patients; to evaluate the outcome in terms of avoiding a permanent shunt, and to look for incidences of their complications.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

The data were acquired from case notes of fifty patients with acute hydrocephalus: 26 secondary to IVH, 10 from aneurysm rupture, 8 posttrauma, and 6 from infection. All these patients had undergone CSF diversion in Hospital Queen Elizabeth II, Sabah, Malaysia, between 2013 and 2015. The patients were followed up from the date of treatment until the resolution of hydrocephalus, where parameters such as shunt dependency and complications were documented.

Statistical Analysis Used:

All analyses were carried out using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences Version 22.0. Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test is used for univariate analysis of categorical variables.

Results:

A total of 21 (42%) patients underwent EVD insertion and 29 (58%) underwent VSGS insertion. Thirty-seven (74%) patients did not require a permanent shunt; 24 (64.8%) of them were from the VSGS group (P = 0.097). EVD had more intracranial complications (44.1%) compared with VSGS (23.5%), with a statistically significant P = 0.026.

Conclusions:

VSGS is a safe and viable option for adult hydrocephalus patients, with the possibility of continuation of the treatment for such patients in nonneurosurgical centers, as opposed to patients with EVDs. Furthermore, even though this method had no statistical difference in avoiding a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt, VSGS has statistically significant less intracranial complications compared with EVD.

Shunting outcomes in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: results of a Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE Previous Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) retrospective studies have shown a 15% difference in rates of conversion to permanent shunts with the use of ventriculosubgaleal shunts (VSGSs) versus ventricular reservoirs (VRs) as temporization procedures in the treatment of hydrocephalus due to high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of prematurity. Further research in the same study line revealed a strong influence of center-specific decision-making on shunt outcomes. The primary goal of this prospective study was to standardize decision-making across centers to determine true procedural superiority, if any, of VSGS versus VR as a temporization procedure in high-grade IVH of prematurity. METHODS The HCRN conducted a prospective cohort study across 6 centers with an approximate 1.5- to 3-year accrual period (depending on center) followed by 6 months of follow-up. Infants with premature birth, who weighed less than 1500 g, had Grade 3 or 4 IVH of prematurity, and had more than 72 hours of life expectancy were included in the study. Based on a priori consensus, decisions were standardized regarding the timing of initial surgical treatment, upfront shunt versus temporization procedure (VR or VSGS), and when to convert a VR or VSGS to a permanent shunt. Physical examination assessment and surgical technique were also standardized. The primary outcome was the proportion of infants who underwent conversion to a permanent shunt. The major secondary outcomes of interest included infection and other complication rates. RESULTS One hundred forty-five premature infants were enrolled and met criteria for analysis. Using the standardized decision rubrics, 28 infants never reached the threshold for treatment, 11 initially received permanent shunts, 4 were initially treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and 102 underwent a temporization procedure (36 with VSGSs and 66 with VRs). The 2 temporization cohorts were similar in terms of sex, race, IVH grade, head (orbitofrontal) circumference, and ventricular size at temporization. There were statistically significant differences noted between groups in gestational age, birth weight, and bilaterality of clot burden that were controlled for in post hoc analysis. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 180-day rates of conversion to permanent shunts were 63.5% for VSGS and 74.0% for VR (p = 0.36, log-rank test). The infection rate for VSGS was 14% (5/36) and for VR was 17% (11/66; p = 0.71). The overall compliance rate with the standardized decision rubrics was noted to be 90% for all surgeons. CONCLUSIONS A standardized protocol was instituted across all centers of the HCRN. Compliance was high. Choice of temporization techniques in premature infants with IVH does not appear to influence rates of conversion to permanent ventricular CSF diversion. Once management decisions and surgical techniques are standardized across HCRN sites, thus minimizing center effect, the observed difference in conversion rates between VSGSs and VRs is mitigated.

Treatment of posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications

OBJECT The optimal clinical management of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation (PHVD)/posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in premature infants remains unclear. A common approach involves temporary treatment of hydrocephalus in these patients with a ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS), ventricular access device (VAD), or external ventricular drain (EVD) until it becomes evident that the patient needs and can tolerate permanent CSF diversion (i.e., ventriculoperitoneal shunt). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a robust and comprehensive summary of the published literature regarding the clinical outcomes and complications of these 3 techniques as temporizing measures in the management of prematurity-related PHVD/PHH. METHODS The authors searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for studies published through December 2013 on the use of VSGSs, VADs, and/or EVDs as temporizing devices for the treatment of hydrocephalus following IVH in the premature neonate. Data pertaining to patient demographic data, study methods, interventions, and outcomes were extracted from eligible articles. For each of the 3 types of temporizing device, the authors performed meta-analyses examining 6 outcomes of interest, which were rates of 1) obstruction; 2) infection; 3) arrest of hydrocephalus (i.e., permanent shunt independence); 4) mortality; 5) good neurodevelopmental outcome; and 6) revision. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies, representing 1502 patients, met eligibility criteria. All of the included articles were observational studies; 36 were retrospective and 3 were prospective designs. Nine studies (n = 295) examined VSGSs, 24 (n = 962) VADs, and 9 (n = 245) EVDs. Pooled rates of outcome for VSGS, VAD, and EVD, respectively, were 9.6%, 7.3%, and 6.8% for obstruction; 9.2%, 9.5%, and 6.7% for infection; 12.2%, 10.8%, and 47.3% for revision; 13.9%, 17.5%, and 31.8% for arrest of hydrocephalus; 12.1%, 15.3%, and 19.1% for death; and 58.7%, 50.1%, and 56.1% for good neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study provides robust estimates of outcomes for the most common temporizing treatments for IVH in premature infants. With few exceptions, the range of outcomes was similar for VSGS, VAD, and EVD.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt as a primary neurosurgical procedure in newborn posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: report of a series of 47 shunted patients

PURPOSE

Intraventricular hemorrhage is the most common cause of infantile acquired hydrocephalus. Our objective is to determine if the implantation of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus as a primary and definitive neurosurgical treatment, with no previous temporary procedures, would decrease complication rates with good functional outcomes.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy-one patients with germinal matrix hemorrhage were diagnosed at the Carlos Haya Hospital between 2003 and 2010. Forty-seven patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt after developing symptomatic hydrocephalus. The minimum weight required for shunt implantation was 1,500 g. We recorded complications related to the surgical procedure and analyzed functional state with a self-developed four-grade scale.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine (51.3 %) patients with intraventricular hemorrhage developed ventricular dilatation, but only 47 patients (17.34 %) needed shunting. In seven cases, temporary neurosurgical procedures were performed, but in all of them, this was followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. The infection rate was 4.25 %, and shunt obstruction rate was 4.25 %. More than 80 % of patients were classified as good or excellent functional state. Mean follow-up period was 38.75 months (SD, 27.09; range, 1-102 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting as a primary neurosurgical treatment in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus would decrease surgical morbidity with good functional outcome.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt in the treatment of posthemorrhagic and postinfectious hydrocephalus of premature infants

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of ventriculosubgaleal shunts during the clinical course of posthemorrhagic and postinfectious hydrocephalus in the neonatal period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 102 premature babies in whom subgaleal shunt was consecutively inserted between 2006 and 2011. Seventy-two patients had posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (mean gestational age 27.3 ± 2.1 weeks, mean birth weight 1,036.9 ± 327.7 g, mean age at insertion 51.4 ± 56.2 days) and 30 patients were operated postinfectiously (27.5 ± 2.2 weeks, 1,064.7 g ± 310.7 g, 115.9 ± 47.8 days).

RESULTS

The mean survival of subgaleal shunts was 87.9 days for the posthemorrhagic group and 75.6 days for the postinfectious group. Only six infants (8.3 %) did not need ventriculoperitoneal shunts later, all posthemorrhagic. There were meaningful differences between two groups with regard to ventriculosubgaleal shunt-related infections (8.3 % in posthemorrhagic versus 20.0 % in postinfectious) and shunt revision rate (6.9 % in posthemorrhagic versus 13.3 % in postinfectious), but these were not statistically significant. The need of ventriculoscopic procedures was notably more frequent in postinfectious group (1.4 versus 23.3 %).

CONCLUSION

In premature infants with ventriculomegaly, the subgaleal shunt is an effective temporary diversion tool. The complications were less with posthemorrhagic than with postinfectious hydrocephalus. With previous severe infections of prematures, the risk for complications regarding infection and obstruction will be 2.75 and 2.06 (odds ratios) times higher and more frequent need of ventriculoscopic procedures should be considered (odds ratio 21.6).

Timing of external ventricular drainage and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE

To delineate the impact of early (≤ 25 days of life) versus late (> 25 days) external ventricular drainage (EVD) on the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) following intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).

METHODS

We retrospectively categorized 32 premature infants with PHH into two groups according to whether they underwent early (n = 10) or late (n = 22) EVD. We administered the Battelle Developmental Inventory II and a neuromotor examination (median age, 73 months, range: 29-100).

RESULTS

In adjusted comparisons, early EVD was associated with better scores than late EVD in adaptive (79 ± 22.6 vs. 58.8 ± 8.1, P = .01), personal social (90.7 ± 26 vs. 67.3 ± 15.9, P = .02), communication (95.4 ± 27.5 vs. 69.6 ± 20.5, P = .04) and cognitive (78.9 ± 24.4 vs. 60.7 ± 11.5, P = .055) functions. Three (30%) early EVD infants had severe (<2.5 standard deviation) cognitive disability compared to 18 (82%) late EVD infants (P = .03). The incidences of cerebral palsy and neurosurgical complications were equal for the two groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that early EVD was beneficial in infants with original grade III IVH (n = 15, P < 0.05), but that it had no beneficial effects in infants with prior parenchymal injury (n = 17, P = NS).

CONCLUSION

In this small retrospective series, early EVD is associated with lower rates of cognitive, communication and social disabilities than later EVD in infants with PHH without prior parenchymal injury. A randomized prospective trial is warranted.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunting--a strategy to reduce the incidence of shunt revisions and slit ventricles: an institutional experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Slit ventricles and multiple episodes of shunt failure are problematic in many infants and preterm neonates shunted for hydrocephalus. We utilized ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) shunting as the initial neurosurgical intervention in neonates with hydrocephalus associated with intraventricular hemorrhage and infants with myelomeningocele.

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of 21 children initially treated with a VSG shunt between November 2002 and July 2009. Patient records and imaging studies were reviewed. Demographics, case data and clinical outcome were collected.

RESULTS

Five patients (27.8%) required a revision after conversion to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. There were 9 cases of radiographic slit ventricles (45%). Average follow-up was 59.5 months (range 12-97 months). Average time interval to shunt conversion was 81.5 days. Two patients have not required conversion to a VP shunt (one with an 8-year follow-up). To date, none of these patients has required a subtemporal window or cranial vault expansion.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, initial management of selected hydrocephalic infants with a VSG shunt may prove to be advantageous in the long run for these children as the number of shunt revisions and the incidence of slit ventricles are significantly less than those reported in the literature.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt procedure and its long-term outcomes in premature infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE

It is well known that 10-15% of hydrocephalus cases at childhood and 40-50% in premature infants, occur following Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH). Such hemorrhages are reported to arise due to the rupture of germinal matrix (GM) vessels as a result of cerebral blood flow changes among infants with <1500 g birth weight and <32 weeks old. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) associated with GMH leads to a disruption in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ventricular dilatation. Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) is preferred in those hydrocephalus cases because it is a simple and rapid method, precludes the need for repetitive aspiration for evacuation of CSF, establishes a permanent decompression without causing electrolyte and nutritional losses, and aims to protect the cerebral development of newborns with GMH.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The present study comprises 25 premature cases, subjected to VSGS and diagnosed with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) arising from IVH associated with GM, and low birth weight (LBW) in the Neurosurgery Department of the Medical Faculty of Erciyes University between July 2002 and September 2006. VSGS surgery was performed on those cases, and their clinical and radiological prognoses were monitored with regard to several parameters.

RESULTS

Mortality and morbidity results were found to be lower than those in PPH treatment methods. While prognosis of grade 4 GMHs was poor, grades 2 and 3 GMHs displayed a much better prognosis after VSGS along with complete recovery in some hydrocephalus cases.

Intracranial hemorrhage in the preterm infant: understanding it, preventing it

New discoveries in neonatal imaging, cerebral monitoring, and hemodynamics, and greater understanding of inflammatory and genetic mechanisms involved in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in the preterm infant are creating opportunities for innovative early detection and prevention approaches. This article covers the spectrum of ICH in the preterm infant, including germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage, its complications, and associated phenomena, such as the emerging role of cerebellar hemorrhage. The overall aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of the mechanisms, diagnosis, outcome, and management of preterm ICH; to revisit the origins from which they develop; and to discuss future expectations.

A multicenter retrospective comparison of conversion from temporary to permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion in very low birth weight infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

OBJECT

The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of permanent shunt placement and infection in patients who have undergone the 2 most commonly performed temporizing procedures for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) of prematurity: ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) shunt placement and ventricular reservoir placement for intermittent tapping.

METHODS

The 4 centers of the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network participated in a retrospective chart review of infants with PHH who underwent treatment at each institution between 2001 and 2006. Patients were included if they had received a diagnosis of Grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage, weighed < 1500 g at birth, and had received surgical intervention. The authors determined the incidence of conversion from a temporizing device to a permanent shunt, the incidence of CSF infection during temporization, and the 6-month CSF infection rate after permanent shunt placement.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (86%) of 36 patients who received VSG shunts and 61 (69%) of 88 patients who received ventricular reservoirs received permanent CSF diversion with a shunt (p = 0.05). Five patients (14%) in the VSG shunt group had CSF infections during temporization, compared with 11 patients (13%) in the ventricular reservoir group (p = 0.83). The 6-month incidence of permanent shunt infection in the VSG shunt group was 16% (5 of 31), compared with 12% (7 of 61) in the reservoir placement group (p = 0.65). For the first 6 months after permanent shunt placement, infants with no preceding temporizing procedure had an infection rate of 5% (1 of 20 infants) and those who had undergone a temporizing procedure had an infection rate of 13% (12 of 92; p = 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of intermittent tapping of ventricular reservoirs in this population appears to lead to a lower incidence of permanent shunt placement than the use of VSG shunts. The incidence of infection during temporization and for the initial 6 months after conversion appears comparable for both groups. The apparent difference identified in this pilot study requires confirmation in a more rigorous study.

Ventricular reservoirs and ventriculoperitoneal shunts for premature infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: an institutional experience

OBJECT

The aim of the study was to analyze the outcome of surgical treatment for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature infants.

METHODS

From 1990 to 2006, 32 premature infants underwent surgical treatment for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and their charts were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the complications and outcome with respect to shunt revisions. Multivariate analysis and time series were used to identify factors that influence the outcome in terms of shunt revisions.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age was 27+/-3.3 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1192+/-660 g. Temporary reservoir placement was performed in 15 patients, while 17 underwent permanent CSF diversion with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. In 2 patients, reservoir tapping alone was sufficient to halt the progression of hydrocephalus; 29 patients received VP shunts. The mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. The neonates who received VP shunts first were significantly older (p=0.02) and heavier (p=0.04) than those who initially underwent reservoir placement. Shunts were revised in 14 patients; 42% of patients in the reservoir group had their shunts revised, while 53% of infants who had initially received a VP shunt required a revision. The revision rate per patient in the reservoir group was half that in the direct VP shunt group (p=0.027). No patient in the reservoir group had >2 revisions. Shunt infections developed in 3 patients (10.3%), and 2 patients in the reservoir group died of nonneurological issues related to prematurity.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth weight and age are useful parameters in decision making. Preterm neonates with low birth weights benefit from initial CSF drainage procedures followed by permanent CSF diversion with respect to the number of shunt revisions.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunts in the management of infective hydrocephalus

INTRODUCTION

Temporary diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is often required due to patient and CSF related factors, of which infection is a significant one. The various methods available have significant disadvantages. Ventriculosubgaleal shunts (VSG) have been earlier demonstrated to be useful in a variety of circumstances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hospital charts of 21 consecutive children during a 4-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Infection was defined based on a positive CSF culture or a history of recently treated meningitis with abnormal CSF findings. The conversion to a permanent shunt was based on normalization of CSF values in a functioning VSG shunt or when the VSG shunt is ineffective. The end point was control of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) features and infection.

RESULTS

The ages ranged from 1 month to 7 years with a median age of 2 months. Five (23.8%) were born premature. Twelve children (57.1%) had a previously untreated hydrocephalus, whereas nine (42.8%) had undergone some procedure. A positive CSF culture was obtained in ten (47.6%). Repeat VSG shunts were required in five children (23.8%). Seventeen (80.9%) of these children underwent conversion to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Of the remaining four, one did well without any further procedure, two died due to their primary problems, and one refused any further procedure due to poor neurological status. There were two wound complications-one CSF leak and one shunt migration.

CONCLUSION

VSG shunts are a simple and efficient way of managing infective hydrocephalus.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunts for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature infants

OBJECTIVE

The early management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature infants is challenging and controversial. These infants need a temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure until they gain adequate weight, and the blood and protein levels in CSF are reasonably low before permanent shunt can be placed. Various options are available with their associated advantages and disadvantages. Ventriculosubgaleal shunts have been recommended as a more physiologic and less invasive means of achieving this goal. We have performed this procedure in 6 premature infants to evaluate their effectiveness and complications.

METHODS

Six consecutive premature infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus underwent placement of ventriculosubgaleal shunts over a 1-year period of time. We reviewed their clinical and imaging progress to assess the ability of the shunt to control hydrocephalus and the complication rates.

RESULTS

In all 6 patients, the ventriculosubgaleal shunt controlled the progression of hydrocephalus as assessed by clinical and imaging parameters. A permanent shunt was avoided in 1 patient (16.6%). However, 4 patients developed shunt infections, 1 involving the ventriculosubgaleal shunt itself, and 3 immediately after conversion to ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The total infection rate of the series was 66.6%. All infections were caused by staphylococcus species. There was only a 1% shunt infection rate in our institution for all nonventriculosubgaleal shunts during the same period of time.

CONCLUSION

Placement of ventriculosubgaleal shunts for interim CSF diversion in neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is effective as a temporary method of CSF diversion. However, our experience has shown that it is associated with a unacceptably high CSF infection rate. A potential cause for infection is CSF stasis just beneath the extremely thin skin of the premature infants, promoting colonization by skin flora. CSF sampling before conversion to a permanent shunt and replacement of the proximal hardware, which has been in situ for a prolonged period, may decrease the infection rates. At present, the procedure is no longer performed at our institution.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is not an exotic condition in general pediatric practice. A general pediatrician might expect to serve two to five children with CSF shunts. This article reviews posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in detail.

Posthemorrhagic unilateral hydrocephalus: fenestration of septum pellucidum as an alternative to shunt implantation

Unilateral hydrocephalus caused by occlusion of the foramen of Monro is rare. We report two cases in neonates caused by prenatal hemorrhage, their radiographic findings, and surgical treatment. With posthemorrhagic progressive unilateral hydrocephalus, early intervention with fenestration of septum pellucidum should be considered.

Neonatal ventriculosubgaleal shunts

OBJECTIVE

We report on 32 neonates treated with ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) shunts to determine VSG shunt survival and associated complications.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 1997, 37 VSG shunts were placed in 32 neonates when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or the abdomen was considered unsuitable for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. In each child, a ventricular catheter was attached to 3 cm of a closed-end peritoneal tube via a right-angle connector, which drained into a surgically created subgaleal pocket.

RESULTS

The causes of hydrocephalus were as follows: intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in 20 neonates, meningitis/ventriculitis in 6, IVH and infection in 2, and other causes in 4. The mean postconception age at the time of VSG shunt insertion was 37.2 weeks (33.1 wk in the IVH group), and the mean weight was 2227 g (1724 g in the IVH group). The average preoperative head circumference was 33.6 cm. The average survival of these 37 VSG shunts (five children had two VSG shunts) was 35.1 days. The complications were as follows: one CSF leakage occurred when sutures were removed; one catheter fell into the ventricle and required removal, and one child died immediately after VSG shunt revision. There were no VSG shunt infections. All surviving children followed for a minimum of 4 months after insertion of a VSG shunt (n = 24) have required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Mean follow-up from the time of first VSG shunt insertion was 21.6 months. Four children died as a result of causes unrelated to the VSG shunt.

CONCLUSION

VSG shunts offer a simple, effective, and relatively safe means of temporizing hydrocephalus, and they avoid the need for external drainage or frequent CSF aspiration in these medically unstable infants until the CSF characteristics and abdomen are acceptable for ventriculoperitoneal shunting.