Clinical proof of the importance of compliance for hydrocephalus pathophysiology.

INTRODUCTION Recently decreased compliance is discussed as an initially disturbed CSF hydrodynamic parameter in hydrocephalus. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 180 patients with suspected chronic hydrocephalus we performed a dynamic infusion test, which was not used for shunt indication. Shunt indication was based on long-term ICP monitoring. Follow-up was 4.6 +/- 1.8 years. STATISTICS Spearman-, Kruskal-Wallis-, Wilcoxen-U-test. RESULTS Resistance to outflow (Rout) and Pressure Volume Index (PVI) alone provide positive predictive values (PPV) and sensitivity, which might be sufficient in daily practice, while negative predictive values (NPV) and specificity are weak. With an intelligent combined algorithm of Rout and PVI at a critical value of ROF of 13 mm Hg/ml x min and 30 ml, a clearly improved outcome prediction is possible. CONCLUSION These clinical results support recent opinions concerning the meaning of Compliance and Rout in hydrocephalus patho-physiology.

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