Late Hydrocephalus after Arrest and Resolution of Neonatal Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus

This report describes the occurrence of rapid progression of hydrocephalus after discharge from the nursery in four of 48 infants who had had previous arrest of progression of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and at least partial resolution of ventriculomegaly. This later-onset hydrocephalus occurred at a mean age of seven months; the most consistent presenting clinical feature was rapid head growth. Three of the four infants required a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and the fourth was treated with acetazolamide, with apparent resolution of the hydrocephalus. Newborn infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus should be followed carefully throughout the first year for prompt detection of later hydrocephalus.