Abstract
Objectives/Goals: The timing of neurosurgery is highly variable for post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) of prematurity. We sought to utilize microvascular imaging (MVI) in ultrasound (US) to identify biomarkers to discern the opportune time for intervention and to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics as they pertain to neurosurgical outcome. Methods/Study Population: The inclusion criteria for the study are admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with a diagnosis of Papile grade III or IV. Exclusion criteria are congenital hydrocephalus and hydrocephalus secondary to myelomeningocele/brain tumor/vascular malformation. We are a level IV tertiary referral center. Our current clinical care pathway utilizes brain US at admission and at weekly intervals. Patients who meet certain clinical and radiographic parameters undergo temporary or permanent CSF diversion. Results/Anticipated Results: NEL was implemented at our institution for PHH of prematurity in fall 2022. To date, we have had 20 patients who were diagnosed with grade III or IV IVH, of which 12 qualified for NEL. Our preliminary safety and feasibility results as well as the innovative bedside technique pioneered at our institution are currently in revision stages for publication. Preliminary results of the MVI data have yielded that hyperemia may confer venous congestion in the germinal matrix, which should then alert the neurosurgeon to delay any intervention to avoid progression of intraventricular blood. With regard to CSF characteristics, we anticipate that protein, cell count, hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin will decrease with NEL. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The timing of PHH of prematurity is highly variable. We expect that MVI will offer radiographic biomarkers to guide optimal timing of neurosurgical intervention. A better understanding of CSF characteristics could potentially educate the neurosurgeon with regard to optimal timing of permanent CSF diversion based on specific CSF parameters.