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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
[Values of cerebrospinal fluid cytochemistry in pediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt]
Marvid Sol Duarte Moreno1, Germán Camacho-Moreno2, Nury Mancilla Gómez1
1Departamento de Pediatría, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytochemistry in children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (VPS) shows distinct values compared to healthy individuals. These findings highlight the need for population-specific interpretation of CSF analysis in VPS management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrocephalus management often involves ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (VPS).
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for managing VPS complications.
- Limited data exists on CSF cytochemistry in pediatric VPS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the CSF cytochemistry in children undergoing VPS management.
- Establish reference values for CSF analysis in this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive observational study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia (2008-2016).
- Retrospective review of records for VPS and related procedures.
- Inclusion criteria: patients aged 6 months to 18 years.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 31 CSF samples from 285 reviewed records.
- Median CSF values (90th percentile): leukocytes 0 (7 cells/mm³), neutrophils 0 (6.8 cells/mm³), lymphocytes 0 (2 cells/mm³), proteins 13.4 (67.2 mg/dL), glucose 59 (27.4 mg/dL).
- CSF protein levels often exceeded expected ranges, while cellularity showed minimal variation.
Conclusions:
- CSF cytochemistry in pediatric VPS patients differs significantly from healthy populations.
- Interpreting CSF values in VPS patients requires consideration of their unique clinical context.
- Established reference ranges for CSF analysis in this cohort are essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
Background:
The ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is the treatment for hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is evaluated for the management of its complications; however, information on the values of the cytochemistry in this population is insufficient.
Aim:
To describe the characteristics of the CSF cytochemistry of children in VPS management.
Methods:
Descriptive observational study, developed in Bogotá (Colombia), from 2008 to 2016. VPS and related procedures records were reviewed. Patients between 6 months and 18 years were included.
Results:
A total of 285 records were reviewed, 31 samples were entered. The CSF values were, respectively, for the median and 90% percentile: total leukocytes: 0 and 7 cells/mm3, neutrophils: 0 and 6.8 cells/mm3, lymphocytes: 0 and 2 cells/mm3, proteins: 13.4 and 67.2 mg/dL, glucose: 59 and 27.4 mg/dL.
Discussion:
Glucose values evinced a normal rank towards the widest inferior limit with protein values exceeding the values expected. Cellularity is the variable with the lowest variation.
Conclusions:
The values of the CSF cytochemistry in patients with VPS are not comparable to those of the healthy population and should be interpreted according to the characteristics of this population.
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