Opportunities in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus research: outcomes of the Hydrocephalus Association Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus Workshop

Abstract

The Hydrocephalus Association Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus Workshop was held on July 25 and 26, 2016 at the National Institutes of Health. The workshop brought together a diverse group of researchers including pediatric neurosurgeons, neurologists, and neuropsychologists with scientists in the fields of brain injury and development, cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid dynamics, and the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers. The goals of the workshop were to identify areas of opportunity in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus research and encourage scientific collaboration across a diverse set of fields. This report details the major themes discussed during the workshop and research opportunities identified for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. The primary areas include (1) preventing intraventricular hemorrhage, (2) stopping primary and secondary brain damage, (3) preventing hydrocephalus, (4) repairing brain damage, and (5) improving neurodevelopment outcomes in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

Keywords: Blood brain barrier; Germinal matrix hemorrhage; Hydrocephalus; Intraventricular hemorrhage; Posthemorrhagic; Premature.

Fig. 1

Cranial Ultrasounds of Premature Infant after IVH. a Cranial ultrasound performed in a 5 day old 24 week gestation male showing grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage with intraventricular extension. b Cranial ultrasound performed in the same infant 12 days later showing interval development of hydrocephalus

Fig. 2

Key areas for research and intervention. A schematic of the key areas for research and intervention identified during the workshop