Management of neonatal hydrocephalus: feasibility of use and safety of two programmable (Sophy and Polaris) valves

Background Neonates represent a unique group of pediatric patients with special peculiarities. Hydrocephalus valves have not always been designed to meet the requirements of these small children. Few series have addressed the problem of cerebrospinal fluid shunting in newborn babies. Objectives We aimed (1) to evaluate the feasibility of the use of two programmable valves (Sophy and Polaris) in hydrocephalic neonates and (2) to ascertain complications and safety issues arising from their use. Materials and methods We performed a prospective study of 100 consecutive preterm and term babies (