Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most serious complications in premature lightweight. While in the decade of 1970-1980 the incidence was 40-50%, now it is at least 20%. But it presents a challenge because of the multiple existing therapies and the results in terms of neurological sequelae.
Material and methods: We performed a retrospective review of 48 patients managed with ventriculo subgaleal shunt and a therapeutic decision based on gestational age, weight, and grade of intraventricular hemorrhage.
Results: Of the patients, 29 (60%) of the cases were female and 19 (40%) were male. The average gestation age for placing the subgaleal system was 30 months, with an average weight of 1,511 g, and with an infection rate of 4%. In 44 cases peritoneal system was placed (92%) because four died (8%). No mortality was observed at surgery.
Conclusions: Mortality in the past appeared in 75% of patients, with the realization that derivation of subgaleal irrigation reduces infections besides allowing proper control of hydrocephalus and thus decreases the long-term neurological sequelae.