New HCRN Study Up and Running

The HCRN has successfully launched a new, potentially ground-breaking study across the Network. This study, titled Ventricular Involvement in Neuropsychological Outcomes in Pediatric Hydrocephalus, or VINOH for short, is funded by a Mentored Young Investigator award from the Hydrocephalus Association received by Dr. Jay Riva-Cambrin at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This study is looking into the short term implications hydrocephalus may have for school-aged patients concerning school performance, cognitive functioning, and social well-being. In addition, this study will be addressing the very important question of if and to what extent ventricle size impacts both, neuropsychological and clinical outcomes. Another exciting aspect of the VINOH study is the collaboration it has initiated across all HCRN Centers between the neurosurgical and neuropsychological staff, who are instrumental in the VINOH Study’s success. It is hoped that the collaboration begun between the care providers from these two different departments may continue in the future and serve to further improve outcomes for hydrocephalus patients. Congratulations to the Primary Children’s Team in getting this study going for the Network and hydrocephalus patients!