Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Drainage, irrigation and fibrinolytic therapy (DRIFT) for post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants.
Description
Bleeding in the brain is a serious complication in babies born prematurely. It can result in obstruction of the flow of fluid (called cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) within the cavities of the brain leading to progressive enlargement of the head (hydrocephalus). Death or permanent brain damage may follow. There are very few treatments for this condition.
This procedure aims to remove the blockage and reduce its harmful effects by draining excess CSF from the brain, washing out the blood, and breaking down blood clots using drugs (fibrinolytics).
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.