Evaluation of Pathogens in Shunt Infections Developed in Newborns Underwent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephaly

Objectives: The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most commonly used treatment modality in hydrocephaly. However, VP shunt infection is a common, severe complication with high mortality and morbidity rate. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, shunt infections and pathogen agents in newborns underwent VP shunt procedure for hydrocephaly. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Harran University, Faculty of Medicine between January, 2016 and June, 2021. The study included all newborns admitted with hydrocephaly and underwent VP shunt procedure. Results: The study included 52 cases with hydrocephaly. Of the cases shunt infection plus meningitis was develop in 28 (53.8%) while no shunt infection plus meningitis was developed in 24 (46.2%). Of the cases developed shunt infection plus meningitis, 8 were boys (28.6%) and 20 were girls (71.4%). Of the cases with growth in culture tests, Gram-positive bacteria were detected in 5 (18.0%) whereas Gram-negative enteric and non-fermenter bacteria in 22 (78.4%) and Candida parapsilosis in one (3.6%). Conclusion: In our study, we found that the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial infection was high. We believe that treatment with Gram-negative coverage will be appropriate until culture test results available when VP shunt infection is suspected.