Shunting outcomes in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The best treatment option for patients with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) remains controversial. The objective of the current meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with PHH treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS). METHODS: We search literatures through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan fang databases, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) from its beginning to June 15, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in English or Chinese studies will be considered. The primary outcome is the rate of shunt failure after shunt implantation The secondary outcome is the rate of complications that are associated with shunt surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The study will compare the 2 types of shunt surgery in the treatment of PHH, providing evidence for the treatment option for the patients with PHH. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study is priorly registered through International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols on June 17, 2020 (INPLASY202060063).