[Shunted hydrocephalus in childhood: an epidemiological study of 243 consecutive observations].
This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical data of 243 children with shunted hydrocephalus, followed-up during 1 to 27 years, as well as to identify the risk factors for psychomotor disturbances, epilepsy and death. Postoperative meningitis and mechanical problems were the most frequent complications (22.3% and 30.7%, respectively). There was an average of 1.47 shunt per patient. Severe motor disturbances occurred in 34.3%, cognitive deficits in 58.5% and epilepsy in 43.6%. Motor disturbances correlated positively with the degree of hydrocephalus. The majority of patients with hydrocephalus due to meningitis presented cognitive deficits and a significant incidence of epilepsy. Death occurred in 52 patients and there was a higher percentage of brain tumours in this group, as well as the replacement of the first shunt device due to precocious postoperative meningitis.
Kliemann
Susana Ely
SE
Departamento de Pediatria, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. skliemann@hotmail.com
Rosemberg
Sérgio
S
D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D002423:Cause of Death; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies