Primary hyperparathyroidism is one of the three most frequent endocrine disorders, typically diagnosed in the years following menopause and with advancing age.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the relationship of shunt infection to childhood hydrocephalus etiology.

METHODS

We analyzed 1021 patients with childhood hydrocephalus who underwent V-P shunting over a period of approximately 15 years. The etiology of 1021 patients include myelomeningocele (794 patient), congenital (165 patient) and intraventricular haemorrhage (62 patient).

RESULTS

Of the 1021 patients who underwent V-P shunting, 19.32% exhibited shunt infection. Shunt infection developed in 180 (22.67%) of 794 patients with myelomeningocele, 9 (5.45%) of 165 patients with congenital obstructive hydrocephalus, and 9 (14.51%) of 62 patients with intraventricular haemorrhage. Recurrent shunt infection was detected in 54 (27.27%) of 198 patients with a previous shunt infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with previous shunt infection as well as those with shunts associated with myelomeningocele were observed to be at a greater risk for shunt infection. Results indicated that patients with congenital obstructive hydrocephalus may be less prone to shunt infections.