Research Study for Children With or Screened for Hydrocephalus
What is the purpose of this study?
Cincinnati Children’s is conducting a research study that applies diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), an advanced non-invasive MRI technique, to investigate the abnormality of brain tissue in children with hydrocephalus (buildup of too much fluid in the brain).
Who will be included in this study?
Children from birth to 15 years old may be able to participate:
- With hydrocephalus who will have shunt surgery
- With history of shunt surgery for hydrocephalus and are scheduled to have a MRI scan at a follow-up visit
- Who have been referred for a MRI scan but were later diagnosed as normal
What is involved?
The study involves 1 or 2 visits for each participant. The following is a list of procedures that will take place during the study:
- MRI scans (scans already scheduled for clinical purposes)
- Neuropsychological testing (tests designed to look at cognitive and behavioral abilities, including speed of information processing, memory, etc.)
What are the benefits?
The neuropsychological testing from a certified neuropsychologist will be provided free of charge in this research project. Your child may receive no other direct benefit from participating in this study. The greatest benefit is that your child may be contributing to research that helps other children. Research studies are essential in finding new and improved treatments and diagnostic tools.
Will I get all the facts about the study?
Parents/Guardians will be given a consent form that thoroughly explains all of the details including the procedures, the risks, the benefits, the pay, contact persons and more. A member of the study staff will review the consent form with you and will make sure that all of your questions are answered. Study procedures will not begin until a parent or guardian has signed this form and, if of age, the child has given at minimum his/her verbal agreement.
What are the risks?
There are no known physical risks associated with the MRI scan or the neuropsychological tests. There is a possibility that a child may become fatigued or bored while taking the neuropsychological tests.
What is the pay?
Families will be compensated for their time and travel.
Who should I contact for more information?
Katherine (Katie) Szalewski
513-803-0135
katherine.szalewski@cchmc.org
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Department of Radiology, MLC 5033
Imaging Research Center
3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229
