Hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm and low-birth weight infants: analysis of associated risk factors for ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality among preterm and low-birth weight infants (PT-LBWIs). Clinical management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is difficult and not well standardized. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and the associated risk factors for ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunting in PT-LBWIs. We also aimed to identify the medical-care practices for these babies.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 42 babies with IVH diagnosed by cranial ultrasonography (classification of Papile et al, J Pediatr 1978;92:529-34). We compared 11 babies who required a V-P shunt with the 31 control subjects who did not require a V-P shunt or who died before discharge with respect to risk factors involved in V-P shunting. Maternal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors, and therapies for IVH and PHH were studied as the V-P shunt-associated risk factors.

Results: The mean gestational age studied was 28.9 +/- 2.7 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1164 +/- 391 g. This study revealed an incidence of 26% of PHH in PT-LBWIs with IVH. The most important risk factor for V-P shunt was found to be the severity of IVH (P < .05). Late gestational age and the time of IVH were found to be significant as well (P < .05). The length of hospitalization was found to be longer in patients with V-P shunt (P < .05). Therapies used for IVH and/or PHH were not significant as a risk factor for V-P shunt. In addition, the mortality rate was found to be 38% for all patients with IVH.

Conclusion: Intraventricular hemorrhage in PT-LBWIs remains a significant problem, particularly when it is associated with PHH leading to long-term neurological impairment and decreased survival rate.