MEDICAL-MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL POSTHEMORRHAGIC HYDROCEPHALUS

Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a relatively common complication of p remature birth. One third of patients who do not undergo spontaneous r esolution require medical management aimed at normalizing intracranial pressure by correcting the imbalance between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF ) production and drainage. Serial lumbar punctures intermittently remo ve CSF in bulk. Pharmacologic therapy decreases CSF production. Each o f these therapies have attendant benefits and risks. For patients whos e CSF absorption does not improve with growth and recovery, placement of an indwelling ventricular drain is ultimately required.