Related Experiment Videos
Cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in children
J Meirovitch1, Y Kitai-Cohen, G Keren
1Department of Pediatrics, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infections occurred in 33% of patients, with higher rates in revisions of infected shunts. Antibiotic therapy alone or with revision surgery showed similar success in treating these infections.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Infections
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are crucial for managing hydrocephalus.
- Shunt infections represent a significant complication, impacting patient outcomes.
- Understanding infection rates and risk factors is vital for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of CSF shunt infections.
- To identify risk factors associated with shunt infections.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for CSF shunt infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 46 CSF shunt infections in 32 patients over 13 years (1972-1984).
- Calculation of infection rates per operative procedure and per patient.
- Analysis of pathogens and comparison of infection rates between initial and revision surgeries.
Main Results:
- Overall infection rate was 21% per procedure and 33% per patient.
- Shunt revision surgery for infected shunts had a significantly higher infection rate (52%) compared to non-infected shunts (11%).
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci were predominant pathogens, especially in revision cases.
Conclusions:
- Younger age (<3 years), prior shunt infection, and revision surgery are key risk factors for CSF shunt infections.
- Antibiotic therapy, with or without surgical revision, demonstrated comparable success rates in treating shunt infections.