Shunt infection in a single institute: a retrospective study

Shunt infection (SI) is a dreaded and major complication in the management of hydrocephalus after cerebral fluid shunts. We reviewed retrospectively shunted for hydrocephalus during the last 2 years to evaluate the incidence of SI, including the risk factors and types of infection.

Patients who had undergone a shunt operation from January 2013 to December 2014 in our hospital were observed, study clinical data and a 6-24 months follow-up. Patients with infection complications were found and investigated.

Among 343 cases of shunt surgery performed in our hospital, 6-24 months follow-up was done. 13 patients (10 men and 3 women) were found shunt infections, 11 (3.7%) were post-operation of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and 2 (4.2%) of lumbo-peritoneal shunt.92.3% cases of shunt infections were present within 2 months after shunt surgery, gram positive cocci accounted for 90% of the bacteria. After different surgery and antibiotic treatment, 8 patients became better and 5 worse.

The data in our single institution shows no significant differences between sex and shunt surgery. Infections more likely to present within the first 2 months after shunt placement, and gram-positive cocci account for a great proportion in detected bacteria.