Clinical Research Directory

Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of Hydrocephalus in Pediatric Patients

The goal of this study is to out find out the capabilities and limitations of the combined photoacoustic and ultrasound (PAUS) imaging device for diagnosing hydrocephalus in children. The main questions it aims to answer are: * can PAUS imaging allow for new and better ways to rapidly diagnose hydrocephalus? * Can PAUS imaging be used to confirm that treatments for hydrocephalus are working? PAUS imaging has been FDA approved for other medical conditions, but this is the first study to evaluate it for hydrocephalus detection. Participants will undergo imaging through the anterior fontanelle with the dual-mode PAUS imaging device. Each imaging session will take about 30 to 60 minutes. These sessions will take place once before and once after hydrocephalus treatment, as the participant is willing. In some cases, if a patient is having cerebrospinal fluid removed at the bedside, an additional imaging session will occur to monitor the procedure in real-time, if the participant is willing.

CEUS Evaluation of Hydrocephalus in Neonates and Infants

Hydrocephalus affects up to 2 out of every 500 births and results in long-term disability in up to 78% of those affected. The standard treatment of hydrocephalus is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion via placement of an invasive ventricular shunt to relieve elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). The clinical decision for CSF diversion is based on the ventricular size and clinical symptoms which are not robust indicators of brain health in neonatal hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of performing brain contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in neonates and infants with diagnosed and/or suspected hydrocephalus.

Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Topical Vancomycin Powder in Preventing Pediatric Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infections Across Different Etiologies

Objectives * Primary: * To measure the reduction in VP shunt infection rates using topical vancomycin powder. * Secondary: * To compare efficacy across different Etiological Strata (Congenital, Post-hemorrhagic, post-inflammatory). * To analyze the microbiological profile of failed cases. * To compare the "Time-to-Infection" and shunt survival rates between the study and control groups using Kaplan-Meier analysis. * To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of TVP compared to the standard management and historical AIC data

Non-Invasive Pressure Monitor for Neonates & Infants at Risk of Developing Hydrocephalus

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a modified smart soft contact lens in neonates and infants at risk of developing hydrocephalus. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the device distinguish between intracranial pressure variations in neonates and infants diagnosed with hydrocephalus and those without * Can the device compare pressure dynamics between pre- and post-operative periods in neonates and infants who undergo surgical treatments Participants will undergo standard of care evaluations for hydrocephalus (anterior fontanelle assessment and head circumference measurement) and wear the device during standard of care evaluation; pre- and post- ventricular reservoir taps, as applicable; and/or pre- and post-operatively, as applicable.