Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in children younger than 1 year of age.

OBJECT: The authors analyzed data obtained in 36 patients younger than 1 year of age who were treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for obstructive hydrocephalus at their institution.

METHODS

There were 17 boys and 19 girls who ranged in age from 3 days to 11 months (mean 4.7 months). The causes of the hydrocephalus were Chiari Type II malformation (11 cases), aqueductal stenosis (11 cases), and other (14 cases). The success rate was 64% (p < 0.05, confidence interval 0.48-0.8) and there were four complications, mainly meningitis. The follow-up period ranged from 22 to 69 months (mean 47.4 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the 64% success rate in children younger than 1 year of age, ETV should be the treatment of choice for obstructive hydrocephalus in this age group, although larger studies involving specific causes of hydrocephalus are needed.