Between 1961 and 1966 hydrocephalus operations were performed on 237 children; 66 had a myelocele, 105 a hydrocephalus communicans and 66 a hydrocephalus occlusus. Of these 237 cases 78 (33%) died. Of the surviving 159 follow-up data are available on 140 (88%). Since 1969 nearly all have been psychologically examined at regular 2-year intervals. The mean IQ were: Myeloceles: 94±20.42; hydrocephalus communicans: 87±26.01; hydrocephalus occlusus: 79±28.07; total group: 88±24.10. The results of the long-term study showed a stable development in 61%, an improvement in 29% and a deterioration in 10% of the cases. The development of mental ability is described in relation to neurological deficits and cerebral seizures. The number of shunt-revision operations had no influence. In addition to the familial background, the school career and kind of final schoolexamination is stated. Of the school leavers (44%), 52% took a final school examination (44% primary school examination, 6% secondary school lower certificate and 2% school-leaving examination). Finally, the data for their choice of profession is given. Considering the course of their development to date, it may be anticipated, that approximately 60% of those 140 young people will be able to practise a normal professional life. © 1981 Springer-Verlag.
Author Keywords
Index Keywords
