Management of infantile hydrocephalus in Central Africa.

Hydrocephalus in children in the first year of life in the Central African countries of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe is due mainly to congenital and infective causes. The children first present in hospital around the age of 3 months. The clinical diagnosis is confirmed by cranial ultrasonography. Ventriculo-peritoneal CSF diversion is performed using locally made shunts (Harare, Malawi) which have given satisfactory results comparable to those from conventional shunts. The use of ETV should be explored for the future treatment of hydrocephalus as an alternative to shunting procedures.