Temporal trends in paediatric hydrocephalus - Rising prematurity and persistent ophthalmological challenges.

AIM: To study changes in aetiology, prematurity, comorbidity and ophthalmological outcomes in children with surgically treated hydrocephalus to provide information needed to maintain the best possible healthcare for a fragile and changing population.

METHODS: Two population-based cohorts, born two decades apart in Region Västra Götaland Sweden, surgically treated for hydrocephalus at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg were recruited at approximately 10 years of age. The participants were examined according to an ophthalmological protocol, including history taking regarding perceptual visual dysfunction (PVD). Gestational age, aetiology and comorbidities were registered.

RESULTS: The 1989-1993 group, comprised 52 children (48% girls; mean age 10, range 7.7-12.8 years), was compared with 24 children, born in 2007-2012 (29% girls; mean age 10, range 7.0-13.8 years). Extreme prematurity (gestational age ≤ 28 weeks) increased over time (p = 0.001). The vast majority of the children showed ophthalmological abnormalities, although motility defects and nystagmus decreased in the latter population. Subnormal visual acuity was associated with extreme prematurity (RR = 4.69; p = 0.030), and PVD with learning disability (RR = 2.44; p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION: Paediatric hydrocephalus populations may change with improved healthcare. Since a high percentage shows ophthalmological abnormalities and more children are born extremely preterm, the entirety needs consideration both neurologically and ophthalmologically.