Hydrocephalus in developing countries

In Developing countries, causes of Hydrocephalus could be related to, or exacerbated by poverty and lack of proper healthcare. Undernourished mother run a higher risk of having premature babies, which, in turn, run a higher risk of having haemorrhaging. Meningitis in these countries is often the result of postnatal infections caused by poor delivery techniques or conditions. The inadequate treatment of these infections can result in Hydrocephalus. 


Treatment of Hydrocephalus in developing countriesHydrocephalus is most commonly treated by placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt). Shunts may be accompanied by a number of problems. They are prone to infection, especially within the first 3 months after operation. Shunt infections are life threatening and expensive and treatment is time-consuming. VP shunts are also prone to malfunction. One recent large multi-institutional study found that 40% of patients required a shunt revision within 2 years of initial shunt placement. Given a lifetime of shunt dependency, these problems are especially dangerous when access to competent care is difficult.
An alternative treatment is endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This treatment is minimally invasive. It also avoids infection, shunt dependency, the potential for shunt malfunction, and the cost of a shunt. ETV perforates the lower section of the third ventricle, which allows Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) to escape from the ventricles into the subarachnoid spaces, from which it is subsequently absorbed. If the hydrocephalus is caused by an obstruction to CSF flow within the ventricles, obstruction to the normal CSF outflow from openings in the IVth ventricle, or obstruction to CSF flow within the basal subarachnoid spaces around the fourth ventricle, the ETV will bypass any of these obstructions and relieve the problem if the normal CSF absorptive mechanisms are functioning adequately.

Source: International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF)