Question
A premature newborn delivered by cesarean section at the Henan Zhoukou Central Hospital was found to have hydrocephalus during a CT scan at 28 days after birth. The child’s posterior head is particularly large, with no symptoms of vomiting or fever, weighing about 3 pounds, and consuming 4 to 6 milliliters of food each time. The local hospital advised waiting until the child is two months old for treatment, worrying that the hydrocephalus may increase and affect brain development during this period.
Answer
Pediatric hydrocephalus, also known as childhood hydrocephalus, refers to the condition in children under the age of 14. Treatment primarily includes surgical removal of the blockage, reduction of cerebrospinal fluid secretion through surgery, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery. If there is a significant intracranial hypertension before surgery, diuretics and osmotic agents can be used to reduce intracranial pressure. At the same time, symptomatic treatment should be administered to prevent infection and nourish the nervous system. For the infant in this case, it is recommended to closely monitor the changes in hydrocephalus, and if intracranial pressure increases or affects neurological function, early consideration should be given to surgical treatment. During the waiting period for treatment, regular brain imaging examinations should be conducted, and attention should be paid to the infant’s general condition and feeding situation.