Abstract

Strategies and Obstacles to Avoiding Pediatric Hydrocephalus Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting

Author(s): Kettle Shannon

Not only does treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus aim to shrink the enlarged ventricle morphologically, but it also aims to establish an intracranial environment that fosters the best neurocognitive development and addresses a variety of treatment-related issues over time. Even though there are many different causes of hydrocephalus, the ventricular peritoneal shunt has been used as the standard of care for decades. However, complications like shunt infection and malfunction cannot be avoided; the anticipation of neurological capability is seriously impacted by such factors, particularly in babies and newborn children. Treatment ideas to avoid shunting have been tried in recent years, mostly in pediatric cases. A new therapeutic concept for post intraventricular hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants is documented, as is the current role of neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy for noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Treatment options must be developed in order to avoid the need for a shunt and ensure that children with hydrocephalus have favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes.