Acetazolamide treatment of progressive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage in a preterm infant.

Progressive hydrocephalus in the preterm infant requires judicious management. Fortunately, in some infants, short-term treatment may obviate the need for shunting procedures. This case illustrates the successful control of progressive hydrocephalus in a preterm infant managed by acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The drug was discontinued transiently early in the course of treatment. This patient's clinical course, change in head circumference, and cerebral ultrasound provide evidence of the benefit of this drug regimen in treating hydrocephalus.