Cerebrospinal fluid shunt-associated infections in pediatrics: Analysis of the epidemiology and mortality risk factors

Infections are the most common complications of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid shunts. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, microbiological, and evolutionary characteristics of children with ventricular cerebrospinal fluid shunt-associated infections and analyze the risk factors for mortality. Descriptive, retrospective study carried out at Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. All patients hospitalized between January 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2015 who were compatible with ventriculitis and had a positive cerebrospinal fluid culture were assessed. A total of 49 patients with 57 infections were included. Their median age was 62 months (interquartile range: 19-114). Males predominated: 34 (70%). A central nervous system tumor was the most common underlying disease: 20 (40%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was isolated in 26 (46%); Staphylococcus aureus, in 13 (23%); Gram-negative bacilli, in 11 (19%); and other microorganism, in 7 (12%). Treatment consisted of removal of ventricular shunt plus antibiotic therapy for 55 (97%) infections. The mortality rate was 9%. The only statistically significant factors associated with mortality were positive blood cultures (p= 0.04), fever at the time of admission (p= 0.04), and septic shock (p= 0.0006). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common microorganism. Valve removal plus antibiotic therapy was the most frequently instituted treatment. Fever at the time of admission, positive blood cultures, and septic shock were predictors of mortality.