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Fifty preterm infants (mean birth weight, 1266 +/- 303 g; mean gestational age, 30 +/- 2 weeks) who required a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (92% with Grade III or IV hemorrhage) were followed for neurodevelopmental problems. VP shunts were placed at a median age of 29 days (range, 18 to 87 days) after serial lumbar punctures failed to control progressive and symptomatic ventriculomegaly. A total of 34 infants (68%) required one shunt revision or more, and the overall infection rate per patient was 50%. Seven infants died, 2 from shunt infections. The infants were evaluated with audiological, ophthalmological, and neurodevelopmental examinations. Of the survivors, 11 (28%) have severe visual loss and 10 (24%) have hearing impairment. Of the infants, 21 (49%) have severe motor handicaps and 19 (38%) have seizure disorders. Developmental and motor scores were obtained using the Bayley or Knobloch-Gesell scales. Seven infants (18%) have normal developmental outcomes; 26 (60%) have multiple handicaps. Grade IV hemorrhage or the occurrence of seizures was a predictor of poor neurodevelopmental outcome. We conclude that progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in low birth weight infants is associated with multiple handicaps despite early VP shunt placement.

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The high-risk low-birth-weight newborn not uncommonly develops intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (ICH/IVH) from the immature state of the germinal matrix. Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus may develop. Infants with small hemorrhages (grades I, II of Papile), with or without hydrocephalus have been shown to develop normally in 80%-90% of cases. There is limited information in the literature about the management and outcome of infants with more severe hemorrhages (grades III, IV of Papile), due to the dismal outlook as to their outcome in most centers. The current status and concerns as to the management of these infants is reviewed, and the aspects of neurosurgical and neonatal follow-up and outcome are described. A significant number of these infants have severe handicaps, which are primarily motor. However, a group of infants is noted who have normal intellectual performance despite varying degrees of motor handicaps: 18% have normal intellectual and motor development. In the current series predictors of poorest outcome are the presence of grade IV hemorrhage and/or seizures. The vast majority of the grades III and IV hemorrhages develop hydrocephalus that is a complex management issue for the neurosurgeon.