Understanding delays in diagnosing and treating childhood hydrocephalus
A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Barriers to Patients' Early Presentation, Diagnosis and Treatment in Childhood Hydrocephalus
This study looks at the reasons why young children with hydrocephalus in lower-income countries might not get diagnosed and treated quickly enough.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lagos State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ikeja, Lagos) |
| Trial ID | NCT05796713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify the barriers that lead to delays in the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood hydrocephalus in low and medium-income countries. Children under 5 years of age with confirmed hydrocephalus will be recruited, along with experienced hospital staff from the neurosurgical unit. Data will be collected prospectively, including demographic information, symptom duration, and various intervals related to healthcare access. The analysis will utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide insights into the challenges faced by patients and healthcare systems.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 5 years old with radiologically confirmed hydrocephalus and their parents or guardians.
Not a fit: Patients older than 5 years or those not treated at the participating center will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of childhood hydrocephalus, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there may be limited studies focusing specifically on barriers in LMICs, similar approaches in other regions have shown success in identifying healthcare access issues.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients less than 5 years of age with HC confirmed with either magnetic resonance or computerized tomographic images * Patients' parents' inclusion criteria will be parents (Guardians) of children with radiologically confirmed HC with either magnetic resonance or computerized tomographic images. * Hospital staff members, who have been working within the Neurosurgical unit for at least 5 years. Exclusion Criteria: * All patents not investigated or operated at our centre * Patients older than 5 years
Where this trial is running
Ikeja, Lagos
- Lagos State University Teaching Hospital — Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Olufemi Idowu, FWACS, FACS — Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Study coordinator: Olufemi Idowu, FWACS, FACS
- Email: oeidowu412@yahoo.com
- Phone: 08023451369
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.