DRIFT School age follow-up
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Surgical drainage, irrigation and fibrinolytic therapy (DRIFT) in premature infants with post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation: Brain function and structure at school age
IRAS ID
160860
Contact name
Karen Luyt
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN80286058
Research summary
Bleeding into the fluid spaces (ventricles) of the brain is one of the most common consequences of being born very early. These bleeds (Intraventricular Haemorrhage;IVH) are often further complicated by progressive enlargement of the ventricles, post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD), which has a very high rate of serious disability (learning difficulties and cerebral palsy).
Despite a number of different approaches to therapy, no intervention has been shown to improve outcome. Drainage, irrigation and fibrinolytic therapy (DRIFT) was developed as a novel surgical method of washing out the ventricles of the brain to clear the effects of bleeding. The DRIFT trial was conducted in 2003-6. Babies were randomised to either DRIFT or standard therapy which consisted of fluid tapping to control excessive build-up. When neurodevelopment was assessed at 2 years, severe disability or death was reduced with DRIFT. Severe learning difficulties were also reduced in the DRIFT group compared to the control group. As cognitive and visual testing at 2 years is limited, more comprehensive testing needs to be performed at school age, to reach a valid conclusion about the long-term efficacy of DRIFT.
A school age outcome study has been funded by the NIHR to assess cognitive function, vision, functional status, quality of life, healthcare use and neuroimaging to determine if DRIFT improves functional outcome at 8-11 years of age, as well as the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
If this study demonstrates a long-term reduction in disability, DRIFT will be the first treatment to improve outcome in premature babies after IVH with PHVD. The potential gains are a reduction in disabilities, with a very significant long-term cost saving to health, social care and education services, and improved quality of life.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1078
Date of REC Opinion
3 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion