Ocular features seen in children with hydrocephalus at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu: a case series

Background: Hydrocephalus has been known since antiquity. It has beendefined as an increase in size of the ventricular system of the brain, resulting from raised cerebrospinal fluid volume.Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the various ocular disorders that may be associated with hydrocephalus in children seen in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 15 patients attending the neurosurgical outpatient clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. All patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study of hydrocephalus, aged less than two years and attended the neurosurgicaloutpatient clinic between January and December 1998 were included. The diagnosis of hydrocephalus was made based on the history, clinical examination and brain ultrasonography. The data was analysed with a scientific calculator Casio FX-82 Lb and Epi info version 6 software.Results: Fifteen children with un-operated hydrocephalus confirmed bytransfontanelle ultrasonography were examined at presentation for ocularcomplications of hydrocephalus. The mean age at presentation was 29.8 weeks. The peak age group of presentation was 11-20 weeks. The male/female ratio was 1:1. Ocular complications of hydrocephalus included setting sun appearance, nystagmus, optic disc palor and hyperaemia.Conclusion: The Ophthalmologist has a well established role to play in assisting the paediatric neurosurgeon in the long term management of children with hydrocephalus if the risk of blindness is not to be added to their other physical disabilities.Keywords: Children, features, hydrocephalus, ocula