INSPIRED #6

REMARKABLE RESEARCH
Daisy’s story
Four year old Daisy was born with Spina Bifida which
is when a baby’s spine and spinal cord doesn’t develop
properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine - a
gap that required Daisy to have surgery on the very
day she was born.
Unfortunately following the surgery she
developed hydrocephalus - a build-up of
cerebrospinal fluid which carries nutrients
to the brain. This excess fluid puts increased
pressure on the brain, damaging brain tissue.
This study could have a huge
impact on the outcomes of
patients with hydrocephalus
MR MALLUCCI,
CONSULTANT NEUROSURGEON
The condition affects one in every 500 births
and is one of the most common developmental
disabilities in children.
Hydrocephalus is regularly treated by inserting
a shunt into the brain to drain the excess
fluid into the abdominal cavity. However,
many patients later become seriously ill from
infections related to the shunt insertion with
prolonged hospitalisation, additional surgery
and possible intravenous and intrathecal
antibiotics. There is also a risk of damage to
the brain which can lead to reduced cognitive
function and which can seriously affect the
patient’s outcome.
Mr Mallucci, Consultant Neurosurgeon at
Alder Hey explains: “Insertion of a shunt
for hydrocephalous is now one of the
most common procedures performed in
neurosurgical units with between 3,000 and
3,500 shunt operations carried out each
year. However, shunt infection has plagued
this advanced technique ever since it was
developed.”
Daisy was the first person to take part in a
ground-breaking research project to see if one
of three different shunts worked better for
her, therefore reducing the risk of infection.
This research, led by Neurosurgeons at Alder
Hey and the Walton Centre could significantly
impact upon the treatment of children and
adults with hydrocephalus.
“This study could have a huge impact on the
outcomes of patients with hydrocephalus. It will
investigate whether shunts coated in various
agents can reduce the risk of infection.”
Mum Jessica said “ We took part in the trial
because we want Alder Hey to find a more
effective and less risky way of treating this
condition, to not only help Daisy but children
like her. At 20 weeks pregnant I was told that
Daisy may have complications and was warned
that she was likely to have a very poor quality
of life and wouldn’t be able to walk. Now she’s
doing really well, she’s walking, she’s so chatty
and she absolutely loves school; she’s my little
miracle.”
A donation of just £3 a month can support research at Alder Hey and
help children like Daisy. To donate visit www.alderheycharity.org
Daisy’s Story 13