OUTCOMES AND PROGNOSTIC

FACTORS OF INFANTILE
ACQUIRED HYDROCEPHALUS: A
SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE
A Journal Report
By: Michelle J. Du​
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INTRODUCTION
Infantile hydrocephalus, a disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the
ventricles of the brain, is a major concern. It affects roughly 0.7-1 out of every 1,000 live
births, making it a very common condition. Hydrocephalus in babies without a clear
external cause is referred to as congenital, whereas those caused by other disorders are
referred to as acquired. Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), which accounts for
approximately half of neonatal cases, is followed by postinfectious and tumor-related
hydrocephalus. Long-term effects of congenital hydrocephalus have been studied, but there
has been little research on alternative causes and their prognostic factors for
neurodevelopmental outcomes.

JOURNAL ARTICLE
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate various
causes of infantile hydrocephalus, assess
negative outcomes, and identify
predictive factors for infants up to 18
months old in a specialized hydrocephalus
center in northern China.
METHODS
Between 2008 and 2021, 129 infants with acquired
hydrocephalus were recruited. Death and
substantial neurodevelopmental impairment,
characterized as a Bayley Scales of Infant and
Toddler Development III score of 70, cerebral
palsy, visual or hearing impairment, and epilepsy
were among the negative outcomes. The Chi-
squared test was performed to assess the prognostic
determinants of negative outcomes. To find the
cutoff value, a receiver operating characteristic
curve was developed.
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RESULTS
Out of 113 patients with known outcomes, 55
had negative results. Late surgical intervention
and significant ventricular enlargement were
linked to adverse outcomes. However,
combining surgical timing and cranial
ultrasonography indicators was a better predictor
of prognosis.
Most cases in this study resulted from post-
hemorrhage, post-meningitis, or a combination
of both. Hydrocephalus from post-hemorrhage
had a more favorable outcome in both preterm
and term infants compared to other causes. Bad
outcomes were more common with hereditary
metabolic defects compared to other causes.
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CONCLUSION
In neonates with acquired hydrocephalus, late surgical
treatment times and extensive ventricular dilatation can
predict poor outcomes. To foresee the negative results of
acquired hydrocephalus, it is critical to determine the
causes. It is imperative to do research into methods to
improve poor outcomes following infantile acquired
hydrocephalus.
 LEARNING DERIVED
The study emphasizes the significance of timely care and
interdisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of infantile
hydrocephalus. Nurses are critical in monitoring patients and
pressing for quick treatment. More research is needed to
understand the individual consequences for different causes
of baby hydrocephalus. It is crucial in nursing practice to
recognize the signs and symptoms of newborn
hydrocephalus, ensure timely interventions, and provide
support to families suffering with this illness. Furthermore,
understanding the various etiologies and their implications
for outcomes is critical for nursing care planning.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
 Recognize early signs of hydrocephalus in infants for prompt
intervention.
 Advocate for timely surgical care, especially in post-hemorrhagic
cases.
 Monitor ventricular dilation closely to assess risk.
 Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team for holistic care.
 Be aware of metabolic disorder links to hydrocephalus.
 Push for longer and more comprehensive follow-up for better
monitoring.
 Support and participate in research for improved care practices.
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REFERENCE
Zhou, F., Yang, Z., Tang, Z., Zhang, Y., Wang, H., Sun, G., ... & Liu,
L. (2023). Outcomes and prognostic factors of infantile acquired
hydrocephalus: a single-center experience. BMC pediatrics, 23(1),
260.
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