Improving outcomes for infants with hydrocephalus in Uganda

Improving Infant Hydrocephalus Outcomes in Uganda: Predicting Developmental Outcomes and Identifying Patients at Risk for Early Treatment Failure After ETV/CPC

Observational Boston Children's Hospital · NCT03650101

This study is testing a new treatment for infants with hydrocephalus in Uganda to see if it works better than traditional methods that often fail.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 180 Days
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations3 sites (University Park, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03650101 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on neonatal postinfectious hydrocephalus in East Africa, where traditional treatment methods like ventriculoperitoneal shunts often fail. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV/CPC) as an alternative treatment that could potentially eliminate the need for shunts. Researchers will optimize metrics for evaluating treatment response and long-term outcomes in infants under six months old who exhibit symptomatic hydrocephalus. The study will involve collaboration between several prominent institutions and hospitals in Uganda and North America.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants under six months old with symptomatic hydrocephalus living in specific districts of Uganda.

Not a fit: Patients over six months old or those without evidence of progressive hydrocephalus will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide infants with a more effective, shunt-free treatment for hydrocephalus, improving their long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with ETV/CPC as a treatment for hydrocephalus, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants less than 180 days (six months) old
* Symptomatic hydrocephalus characterized by abnormal rate of head growth, full anterior fontanel, ventriculomegaly
* A parent or a guardian qualified by Ugandan law to give informed consent
* Patients from Eastern, Central and Northern districts of Uganda, and in geographic proximity to CURE hospital will be eligible

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than six months
* No evidence of progressive hydrocephalus
* Patients outside of the districts specified in the inclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

University Park, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hydrocephalus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.