Congenital hydrocephalus in the northeast of Brazil: epidemiological aspects, prenatal diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract

Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) has higher proportions in developing countries such as Brazil, reaching rates of 3.16:1,000 newborns. Early diagnosis is essential and can be done during the second trimester of pregnancy, highlighting the importance of regular prenatal care. Our objective is to describe the epidemiological profile of children with CH in the state of Bahia. Consecutive medical records of patients with CH, aged less than 2 years and operated at a pediatric reference hospital between September 2009 and September 2012, were reviewed. One hundred twenty-one children underwent ventricular peritoneal shunt (VP shunt) due to CH. As for prenatal care, 38% of pregnant women did it regularly. Males predominated with 56% of cases with a median age of 3 months, and 68% were from the countryside area. The most frequent clinical manifestations were bulging fontanelle (37%) and increased head circumference (30%). There were 13 (11%) reports of complications associated with VP shunts. There were nine deaths (7%), and respiratory complications were the main cause. Public health measures are the key to increase mothers' knowledge about the importance of regular prenatal monitoring. There was a predominance of male children, with a median age of 3 months, with the majority coming from the countryside.