RATE OF SHUNT INFECTION AFTER MYELOMENINGOCELE REPAIR

Abstract

Background: The standard treatment for myelomeningocele (MMC)-related hydrocephalus is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Many authors believe that simultaneous shunting with MMC repair increases shunt infection. Aim of the work: This study aimed to detect the difference in the one-year incidence of shunt infection in the simultaneous versus delayed placement of VPS after MMC repair. Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records at our institution. We identified the infants who underwent repair of an intact lumbosacral MMC from 2012 to 2019. Infants who underwent VPS placement within 90 days of MMC repair were included. We divided the infants into two groups; the simultaneous shunting group (I) and the delayed shunting group (II). Results: This study included 102 patients. Two cases (4.7%) out of 42 in group (I) developed shunt infection, while six cases (10%) out of 60 in group (II) developed shunt infection. The mean duration between shunt placement and shunt infection was 48.5 and 29.3 days for groups (I) and (II), respectively. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in the one-year incidence of shunt infections among both groups. In addition, the mean duration between shunt placement and shunt infection was not statistically significant among the infected patients.