Almost one fifth of babies born prematurely develop haemorrhages, or bleeding, in the fluid-filled spaces in the brain (the ventricles). The blood clot that forms blocks the normal flow of fluid within the brain and causes the ventricles to swell. This can lead to a condition called hydrocephalus (or ‘water on the brain’), in which the fluid causes increased pressure on the tissues in the brain. Babies with these complications often suffer developmental delay or cerebral palsy. Current treatment involves an operation in which a shunt is inserted. This is a thin tube that diverts fluid from the brain to the abdomen. However, in such small babies, shunts often get infected or fail. If we could find a way to prevent fluid flow being obstructed after haemorrhage, cerebral palsy and dependency on a shunt will be far less frequent in these babies.

These researchers’ objective is therefore to find a way of stopping the interruption of fluid flow around the brain. They are using a laboratory model of brain haemorrhage in premature babies. They have been examining drugs which may be effective at reducing enlargement of the ventricles after haemorrhage. One in particular, called decorin, seems promising. They will be looking at these drugs in more detail to see how they could work without causing adverse effects. It is hoped that finding a way of stopping the interruption of fluid flow around the brain could decrease the risks of cerebral palsy and developmental delay in premature babies.