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Randomized Controlled Trial of Shunt vs ETV/CPC for PIH in Ugandan Infants

Phase 3
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Hydrocephalus
Interventions
Device: Chhabra Shunt Placement
Procedure: ETV/CPC
Registration Number
NCT01936272
Lead Sponsor
Boston Children's Hospital
Brief Summary

Two treatment options exist for infant patients with hydrocephalus. Most patients are treated with a surgical procedure in which a shunt is inserted into the brain and abdomen. In recent years, however, another treatment has developed called Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV/CPC).This research study is being done to measure the results of these procedures in children less than six months of age who have hydrocephalus as the result of a brain infection, called post-infectious hydrocephalus, or PIH. This study will evaluate patients in more detail to measure brain growth and development.

Detailed Description

World over, infants with hydrocephalus are mainly treated using a shunt, which is a device made of soft plastic tubing that moves extra fluid from the brain to the abdomen. Surgery is required to insert a shunt into the brain and the abdomen. In recent years, we have developed another treatment called Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV/CPC). This research study is being done to measure the results of these procedures in children less than six months of age who have hydrocephalus as the result of a brain infection, called post-infectious hydrocephalus, or PIH. This is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in Ugandan babies. This study will evaluate patients in more detail to measure brain growth and development. Children in the study will have special testing to measure developmental progress as well as special imaging to evaluate the progress of their brain growth.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria
  • Infants less than 180 days (six months) old
  • Symptomatic hydrocephalus
  • Post-infectious Hydrocephalus based on clinical and CT parameters2
  • Must be from the following Ugandan districts: Bugiri, Busia, Iganga, Jinja, Kampala, Kamuli, Kapchorwa, Katakwi, Kumi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mukono, Pallisa, Sironko, Soroti, and Tororo
Exclusion Criteria
  • Any patient with a scalp erosion or infection that would exclude the patient from shunt implantation
  • Any patient with ventricular loculations that would normally indicate the use of ventriculoscopy as an adjunct to shunt placement
  • Any patient with absence of any visible cortical mantle on the CT
  • Patients must be appropriate candidates for either surgical procedure - shunt placement alone or ETV/CPC

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Chhabra Shunt PlacementChhabra Shunt PlacementThe shunting arm will comprise a standard frontal approach ventriculoperitoneal shunt using a silastic Chhabra system.
ETV/CPCETV/CPCThe Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy/Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV/CPC) arm will comprise a standard frontal approach with flexible endoscopy.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of Age-normed Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)-III scores12 months and 24 months post treatment

Neurocognition will be measured using the BSID-III Cognitive Scale. Change will be assessed at 24 months post treatment from baseline score (12 months post treatment).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brain Volume12 months, 24 months, 5 years, and 7-10 years post treatment

Volume unit of measure is cubic millimeters. Volume is measured using CT scans.

CSF Volume12 months, 24 months, 5 years, and 7-10 years post treatment

Volume unit of measure is cubic millimeters. Volume is measured using CT scans.

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales5 years and 7-10 years post treatment

The primary purpose of the VABS is to assess the social abilities of school age children.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

CURE Children's Hospital Uganda

🇺🇬

Mbale, Uganda

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