Lumboperitoneal shunts in children: a retrospective study
摘要
Lumboperitoneal shunts have been used as a valuable CSF diversion tool in the pediatric age group. This retrospective study reports the indications, outcomes, and possible complications of lumboperitoneal shunts placed in children.
ResultsA total of 19 patients are included in our study. 12 children were males (63.2%) and 7 were females (36.8%). The mean age at LP shunt placement was 5.7 years (6 months–12 years), and most of the children were in the school-age group 11 (57.9%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was the most identifiable cause in 9 cases (47.4%), and headache was the most common presenting symptom in 6 patients. The mean follow-up was 36.1 months (17–61 months). Two patients underwent shunt revision due to catheter migration, and three patients (15.8%) developed acquired Chiari malformation for whom the lumboperitoneal shunt was removed and replaced with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt; all the patients are doing well till the last follow-up.
ConclusionLumboperitoneal shunt insertion is a safe and valuable CSF diversion tool in children for various indications on the top of it is idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Long-term follow-up is required for the possibility of acquired Chiari malformation, and the presence of a horizontal–vertical valve could avoid this possible problem.