Dr. Chevis Shannon
The Gerber Foundation recently awarded Dr. Chevis Shannon, Research Assistant Professor & Director of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinical Research Initiative at Vanderbilt University, and HCRN investigator, a grant to evaluate the impact of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) on neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants. Her study entitled “Understanding the Impact of Post Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Premature Infants will compare neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-22 months and 36-42 months (corrected age) between very low birth weight infants (VLBW) who undergo initial reservoir placement verses those VLBW infants who undergo initial subgaleal placement for temporary CSF diversion and between VLBW infant who undergo initial temporization verses permanent VP shunt placement for CSF diversion. Additionally, these outcomes will be evaluated to determine the relationship of PHH-associated elevations in CSF levels of neurodevelopmental protein mediators.
This project is an ancillary project to two currently enrolling HCRN projects: Shunting Outcomes in Post Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (SOPHH), PI Dr. John Wellons, is investigating the impact of temporization and permanent CSF diversion procedures in the treatment of hydrocephalus in this patient population and Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers of Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (SOPHH Biomarkers), PI Dr. David Limbrick, is studying CSF protein biomarkers to identify higher risk premature infants in an effort to facilitate earlier diagnosis of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
Eligibility for her study includes all premature neonates with:
