Twenty-year outcome in young adults with childhood hydrocephalus: assessment of surgical outcome, work participation, and health-related quality of life

Abstract

During the 20-year follow-up period, 81% of the patients required at least one revision of the CSF shunt. The mortality rate was high: 24 patients died in the 1st decade and 6 died in the 2nd decade after implantation of the initial shunt. In total, 4 deaths (2.9%) were due to shunt failure. Shunt placement to treat childhood hydrocephalus has a substantial effect on social functioning in later life, although perceived health was positively found to be better than expected in young adults with hydrocephalus.