Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Use of an intravenous-type catheter for cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To report a 9-year experience with the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) with the use of an easily inserted external ventricular drain.

DESIGN

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

INTERVENTION

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.