HCRN’s annual spring meeting was held last week in St. Louis, Missouri at beautiful Washington University. This meeting is an opportunity for leading hydrocephalus researchers to discuss new ideas and garner feedback about ongoing research projects. Highlights included results from Dr. Jay Riva-Cambrin’s study on ventricle size and neuropsychological outcomes and a research update from Dr. Dave Limbrick on molecules found in cerebrospinal fluid that are associated with hydrocephalus.

Investigators Dr. Jay Wellons and Dr. Mandeep Tamber have been busy utilizing the network’s extensive registry data to study a subset of hydrocephalus patients who have craniosynostosis and to examine trends in surgical procedures for pediatric hydrocephalus, respectively. Dr. Bill Whitehead congratulated the network on reaching the halfway point for enrollment in the Entry Site Trial while urging investigators to continue to enroll patients. Dr. Tamara Simon led a discussion on treating shunt infection, a special focus of the network. Several investigators presented new study proposals, making this an exciting time as the HCRN continues to generate fresh ideas and perspectives for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

This year a larger number of research coordinators attended the spring meeting, providing additional insight into research logistics and patient engagement. In particular, the network had the chance to welcome new research coordinators Adam Loudermilk from Johns Hopkins University, Diego Morales and Mohamed Gabir from Washington University, and Vanessa Wall from the University of Utah. The next HCRN meeting will be held in Deer Valley, Utah in late September.