At the last HCRN meeting (November 2012), we discussed ETV/CPC (Endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus coagulation). This procedure was pioneered by Dr. Ben Warf (Boston Children’s Hospital) during his time in Uganda and he was a guest at the November HCRN meeting. He reviewed the technique and his data and we discussed the possibility of doing an HCRN study on this procedure. We felt that the first important step in that direction was for some HCRN members to gain additional experience with the technique. Dr. Warf kindly offered to train some HCRN investigators in Uganda. He makes periodic trips there to treat children with hydrocephalus at the Cure Children’s Hospital of Uganda. This month, Dr. Riva-Cambrin from the Salt Lake City HCRN center, Dr. Whitehead from the Texas HCRN center and Dr. Rozzelle from the Birmingham, Alabama HCRN center are in Uganda working with Dr. Warf. Other investigators will be doing the same later this spring. We hope this experience will allow us to study this innovative procedure in the near future.
Archive for the ‘Research’ Category
HCRN Investigators To Direct Panels at Upcoming Research Conference
By Paul Gross, Friday, May 18th, 2012
The Hydrocephalus Association announced details today about its upcoming conference on hydrocephalus research in partnership with Seattle Children’s, University of Utah and HCRN. The conference is entitled “Opportunities in Hydrocephalus Research: Pathways to Better Outcomes.” Several HCRN investigators are directing talks on topics including biomarkers, bio-engineering advances, surgical treatments and neurological outcomes. This research conference is unique in the fact that the research is presented in a patient centric fashion working from basic injury mechanisms, to diagnoses, treatments and then outcomes. Dr. Sam Browd, Dr. Pat McAllister and Paul Gross have developed the agenda which also includes a track on bio-engineering as well as basic science and clinical research. HCRN PI’s presenting include Dr. David Limbrick presenting on biomarkers in post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, Dr. Jay Riva-Cambrin on critical assessment of new techniques and Dr. Abhaya Kulkarni on neurological outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Jack Walker will moderate the group discussion on treatment of hydrocephalus and Dr. John Kestle will provide a critical summary of the clinical aspects of the symposium. To learn more about the conference go to the Hydrocephalus Association announcement.
