ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Key words Intraventricular haemorrhage
;
Post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus
;
Term infants
;
Streptokinase intraventricular infusion
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Neonatal post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a clinical condition with a high mortality and long-term morbidity. Its clinical management is difficult and not well standardized. We describe the case of a term baby suffering from acute intracranial hypertension caused by an intraventricular and thalamic haemorrhage. In this case, the external ventricular drain inserted to control intracranial pressure was ineffective because of repeated obstructions due to blood clots. Continuous intraventricular infusion of streptokinase of 20 000 U/day allowed quick lysis of the clots, drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid and relief from the coma. Although it did not prevent a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt, we obtained reabsorption of the intraventricular haemorrhage without rebleeding complications. We suggest the use of low-dose fibrinolytic infusion through an external drain for the treatment of acute intracranial hypertension following intraventricular haemorrhage in term infants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s001340050606
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