The influence of head position on the intracranial pressure in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

In order to measure the intracranial pressure (ICP) of 8 newborn with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (group A) we used the noninvasive technique via the anterior fontanel (Ladd monitor). The ICP was monitored in two different head positions (30 degrees elevated, horizontal). The median measurements were: elevated head position, 13 mm Hg, horizontal head position, 16 mm Hg. For comparative reasons, we also measured the ICP of 12 healthy newborns (group B). The median results were: elevated head position, 4 mm Hg, horizontal head position, 6.5 mm Hg. Significant differences were found between groups.