Surgical Outcomes of VP Shunts in Hydrocephalic Infants with Meningomyelocele
Author Information
Author(s): Türk Çağlar, Sevgi Umut Tan, Öncel Eda Karadağ, Çamlar Mahmut, Akgül Ozan, Özer Füsun
Primary Institution: Health Sciences University, Izmir City Hospital
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the surgical treatment and management of hydrocephalus in infants with meningomyelocele and compare the single-center experience with previous studies.
Conclusion
Hydrocephalic infants with meningomyelocele undergoing VP shunt surgery face notable risks of infection and mechanical complications, with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococcus identified as the most common pathogen.
Supporting Evidence
- 30% of patients experienced shunt complications during the follow-up.
- Shunt infections occurred in 23% of infants.
- Male gender was significantly associated with long-term shunt infections.
Takeaway
This study looked at babies with a condition called meningomyelocele who needed surgery to help with fluid in their brains. It found that many of them had problems with their surgery, especially infections.
Methodology
This retrospective study included 81 infants who underwent meningomyelocele closure surgery and subsequent VP shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, with clinical and demographic data collected from hospital records.
Limitations
The study had limitations including a retrospective design, lack of predefined surgical guidelines, and challenges in determining risk factors for recurrent infections.
Participant Demographics
The study included 81 infants (47 females and 34 males) with a mean follow-up period of 58.11 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.021
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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