Objective: It is well known that 10-15% of hydrocephalus cases at childhood and 40-50% in premature infants, occur following Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH). Such hemorrhages are reported to arise due to the rupture of germinal matrix (GM) vessels as a result of cerebral blood flow changes among infants with <1500 g birth weight and <32 weeks old. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) associated with GMH leads to a disruption in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ventricular dilatation. Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) is preferred in those hydrocephalus cases because it is a simple and rapid method, precludes the need for repetitive aspiration for evacuation of CSF, establishes a permanent decompression without causing electrolyte and nutritional losses, and aims to protect the cerebral development of newborns with GMH.
Material and method: The present study comprises 25 premature cases, subjected to VSGS and diagnosed with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) arising from IVH associated with GM, and low birth weight (LBW) in the Neurosurgery Department of the Medical Faculty of Erciyes University between July 2002 and September 2006. VSGS surgery was performed on those cases, and their clinical and radiological prognoses were monitored with regard to several parameters.
Results: Mortality and morbidity results were found to be lower than those in PPH treatment methods. While prognosis of grade 4 GMHs was poor, grades 2 and 3 GMHs displayed a much better prognosis after VSGS along with complete recovery in some hydrocephalus cases.