CompletedNot Applicable

Precision Surgery for Pediatric Hydrocephalus: VPS vs. ETV With ML-Guided Prediction

China800 participantsStarted 2016-01-01

Plain-language summary

Study type: Multicenter retrospective cohort study with prospective validation Primary purpose: To determine whether an individualized, imaging-guided treatment algorithm Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) vs endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) improves 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in children \<18 y with congenital hydrocephalus. Main questions * Does ETV produce higher 6-month surgical success and lower 2-year re-intervention rates than VPS in prespecified subgroups (age ≥3 y, obstructive hydrocephalus, normal basal cisterns)? * Does a machine-learning model (ETV-PS) using pre-operative MRI features accurately predict ETV success (AUC ≥0.80) and thereby reduce unnecessary re-operations? * Does early, frequent programmable-valve pressure adjustment after VPS decrease over-shunting headaches and improve 2-year cognitive scores compared with standard, infrequent adjustment? Comparison: ETV group vs. VPS group (1:1 propensity-matched); within VPS cohort, frequent (≥3 adjustments in first 6 mo) vs. infrequent (\<3) pressure-tuning arms. Participants will * Provide pre-operative clinical data and MRI/CT imaging. * Undergo either VPS or ETV as clinically indicated; 320 VPS recipients receive programmable valves with protocol-driven pressure logs. * Return for standardized neurodevelopmental testing Children's Memory Scale (CMS), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children(WISC), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory(PedsQL) and imaging at 6 mo, 1 y and 2 y; valve adjustments tracked electronically.

Who can participate

Age range

17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria * Age 0-17.99 years at surgery * Congenital hydrocephalus confirmed by clinical and MRI/CT findings * First surgical treatment: either VPS or ETV * Complete pre-operative MRI/CT and ≥ 2-year follow-up data available Exclusion Criteria * Secondary hydrocephalus (tumor, infection, trauma) * Severe comorbidities affecting neuro-developmental assessment (e.g., major congenital heart disease, genetic-metabolic disorders) * Incomplete baseline imaging or follow-up \< 2 years

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Surgical success rate at 6 months post-operation

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07330206

SponsorWest China Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hydrocephalus in Children trials