Neuropediatrics 2006; 37(6): 330-336
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964868
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Disabilities in Children with Hydrocephalus - A Population-Based Study of Children Aged Between Four and Twelve Years

E.-K. Persson1 , G. Hagberg2 , P. Uvebrant2
  • 1Department of Paediatrics, County Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
  • 2The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

Received: May 12, 2006

Accepted after Revision: January 4, 2007

Publication Date:
14 March 2007 (online)

Preview

Abstract

Background: Children with hydrocephalus represent a heterogeneous group with various aetiologies and disability profiles. Over the years, continuous changes in medical care have occurred and updated information is important. Aim: To study disability profiles in aetiological and gestational age subgroups of children with hydrocephalus in the 1990s. Method: A population-based series of 114 children, 70 with infantile hydrocephalus and 44 with hydrocephalus associated with MMC. All the children were examined clinically and interviewed. Results: Learning disabilities were present in 47 % of children with infantile hydrocephalus compared with 16 % of those with MMC, cerebral palsy in 27 % vs. zero and epilepsy in 34 vs. 11 %. Even after excluding children with cerebral palsy, the majority had abnormal tendon reflexes and scored below the 5th centile on a motor test. Hydrocephalus overt at birth, low gestational age, a perinatal origin, enlarged ventricles at follow-up and several shunt revisions all indicated risk factors for a poor outcome. Conclusions: In spite of major advances in management, hydrocephalus in children still has a considerable impact on outcome. Being born very preterm and with a hydrocephalus that is already overt at birth involve the highest risk of a poor outcome. Apart from major impairments, the children frequently have definite motor problems.

References

Paul Uvebrant

The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital/Sahlgrenska University Hospital

416 85 Göteborg

Sweden

Email: paul.uvebrant@vgregion.se