Germinal matrix hemorrhages (GMH) and the subsequent posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are the most common and severe neurological complications of preterm birth that require lifelong complex neurosurgical care. GMH disrupts neuroepithelium/ependyma development, which is a key structure implicated in brain development, homeostasis, and neurogenesis.

Posthemorrhagic brain injuries encompass periventricular edema, neuroinflammation, demyelination, axonal degeneration, impaired axoplasmic transport in the periventricular white matter, cerebral hypoxia, ischemia, and alteration of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers. Furthermore, the disruption of the neuroepithelium leads to an alteration in the neurogenic capacity of neural stem cells.

Current treatments primarily focus on surgical intervention to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure. However, these treatments do not effectively prevent subsequent complications such as cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, and chronic diseases related to learning and behavior. In recent years, various therapies have been developed to leverage the regenerative and neuro-immunomodulatory capacity of stem cells.

This Methods Collection aims to target a broad range of researchers by focusing on techniques that are of significant interest to the hydrocephalus research community. We will include experimental animal models, in vitro and ex vivo cell cultures, and organotypic culture systems that enable the study of conditions present during posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, as well as potential therapeutic strategies to treat this pathology. Additionally, the scope of this collection encompasses different methods to evaluate the progression of hydrocephalus.