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Unrecognised ventriculitis/meningitis presenting as hydrocephalus in infancy
Vrajesh Udani1, Soonu Udani, Rohan Merani
1Department of Pediatrics, P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Veer Savarkar Marg, Mumbai 400 016, India. dr_sudani@hindujahospital.com
Indian Pediatrics
|October 8, 2003
Summary
Unrecognized meningitis/ventriculitis can cause infantile hydrocephalus. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for affected infants, even if they appear well.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infantile hydrocephalus is a significant concern in neonates.
- Neonatal meningitis and ventriculitis can lead to severe neurological complications.
- Unrecognized infections pose a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of infantile hydrocephalus secondary to unrecognized neonatal meningitis/ventriculitis.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 72 patients with hydrocephalus from 1991-1998.
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings (lumbar and ventricular).
- Review of clinical presentation, perinatal risk factors, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirteen infants presented with hydrocephalus linked to unrecognized meningitis/ventriculitis.
- Abnormal CSF profiles and positive cultures were common (10/13).
- Increasing head size was the most frequent symptom; 6/13 infants appeared well initially.
Conclusions:
- Unrecognized active meningitis/ventriculitis is a critical, often overlooked, cause of infantile hydrocephalus.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy before surgical intervention (VP shunting) is essential.
- A significant proportion of affected infants experienced severe disability.