6629 Early detection of infantile hydrocephalus: time to ‘Get-A-Head’

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Objectives Head circumference (HC) measurements are an important indicator of health in childhood, and a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of infantile hydrocephalus. Despite this, there is little agreement on the optimal timing of HC measurements, and policies vary widely globally. In the United Kingdom (UK), routine HC monitoring is only recommended at birth, and 6–8 weeks of age, unless a problem is identified. We sought to examine the experiences and knowledge of new parents regarding routine HC monitoring, and hydrocephalus, across the UK. Methods An electronic survey was developed using the Qualtrics XM platform. The survey contained 10 closed questions and 1 open quest ion. It was distributed via Bounty to new parents in the UK with a child aged 0–12 months, via an email mailing list. Bounty provide free 'newborn baby' packs to all new parents across the UK, via maternity units. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse closed questions. Results 750 responses were obtained. 76% of parents were not told why their child's HC was measured, and around half did not know HC should be measured at birth, or at the 6- 8-week check. 19% of parents saw a health visitor virtually, and 47% said their health visitor didn't measure HC. 67% of parents had not heard of hydrocephalus, and 80% were unaware HC could be used to identify it. 94% were supportive of routine HC monitoring during infancy. Conclusion Awareness and education of new parents on the purpose of HC measurements, and hydrocephalus, is poor in the UK. Further, miss ed measurements and virtual health checks may limit our ability to identify abnormal growth patterns early. To address this, the 'Get-A-Head' campaign was launched in 2022, and is calling for improved Contact, Communication, and Concern (www.harrys-hat.org/get-a-head).