Endoscopic treatment versus shunt for hydrocephalus in infants
Official title: Endoscopic versus Shunt Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Infants
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11608584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether a shunt-free endoscopic procedure can be as good as traditional shunting for babies with hydrocephalus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $47,915 |
| NIH project number | 3U01NS107486-07S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11608584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants ≤12 months corrected age with hydrocephalus treated at participating tertiary pediatric neurosurgery centers in North America.
✕Less likely to help
Infants for whom ETV+CPC is not appropriate or who are not candidates for either procedure.
What this research studies
Infants with hydrocephalus often need a cerebrospinal fluid shunt, but shunts have lifelong complications and high costs. This study compares endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV+CPC) to shunt placement in babies up to 12 months old, focusing on cognitive outcomes 12 months after surgery. It uses Bayley scales to measure development and aims to show non-inferiority of ETV+CPC so families can consider shunt-free options. The research is conducted at major pediatric neurosurgery centers in North America, led by the University of Utah. If successful, findings could influence standard care and reduce long-term shunt-related issues for infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If ETV+CPC is non-inferior cognitively, more infants could avoid shunts and their lifelong complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest ETV+CPC can be safe and viable, but cognitive outcomes compared with shunt require confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kestle, John — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Kestle, John
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.