Endoscopic treatment vs 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-11411186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study compares two treatments for hydrocephalus in babies to see if a shunt-free approach can work as well as the traditional shunt option.
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) | $985,459 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS107486-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411186 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 not eligible for ETV+CPC or whose condition requires shunt, or whose cognitive outcomes do not align with the non-inferiority criteria, may not benefit.
What this research studies
In infants under one year with hydrocephalus, doctors want to know whether endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV+CPC) can match the cognitive outcomes of the standard shunt treatment after 12 months. The study will be conducted at major pediatric neurosurgery centers across North America and will use Bayley scales to measure infant cognitive development. It is designed as a non-inferiority trial to see if ETV+CPC offers similar benefits without sacrificing brain development. Families who are open to shunt-free options and understand the risks may consider participating if their infant meets criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, infants could have a viable shunt-free treatment option that preserves cognitive development and reduces long-term shunt-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest ETV+CPC can be safe and viable, but cognitive outcomes relative to shunt are not yet established.
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.