Late pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunt failures: a Singapore tertiary institution's experience

Development of Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative and Postoperative Care of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Deformity and Programmable Implanted Devices

STUDY DESIGN

Modified Delphi consensus study.

OBJECTIVE

To develop consensus-based best practices for the care of pediatric patients who have implanted programmable devices (IPDs) and require spinal deformity surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Implanted programmable devices (IPDs) are often present in patients with neuromuscular or syndromic scoliosis who require spine surgery. Guidelines for monitoring and interrogating these devices during the perioperative period are not available.

METHODS

A panel was assembled consisting of 25 experts (i.e., spinal deformity surgeons, neurosurgeons, neuroelectrophysiologists, cardiologists, and otolaryngologists). Initial postulates were based on a literature review and results from a prior survey. Postulates addressed the following IPDs: vagal nerve stimulators (VNS), programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS), intrathecal baclofen pumps (ITBP), cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), deep brain stimulators (DBS), and cochlear implants. Cardiologist and otolaryngologist participants responded only to postulates on cardiac pacemakers or cochlear implants, respectively. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement, items that did not reach consensus were revised and included in subsequent rounds. A total of 3 survey rounds and 1 virtual meeting were conducted.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 39 total postulates across 6 IPD types. Postulates addressed general spine surgery considerations, the use of intraoperative monitoring and cautery, the use of magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs), and the use of an external remote controller to lengthen MCGRs. Across IPD types, consensus for the final postulates ranged from 94.4% to 100%. Overall, experts agreed that MCGRs can be surgically inserted and lengthened in patients with a variety of IPDs and provided guidance for the use of intraoperative monitoring and cautery, which varied between IPD types.

CONCLUSION

Spinal deformity correction surgery often benefits from the use of intraoperative monitoring, monopolar and bipolar cautery, and MCGRs. The final postulates from this study can inform the perioperative and postoperative practices of spinal deformity surgeons who treat patients with both scoliosis and IPDs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V-Expert opinion.

Shunt fracture as a sequela of cervical spine manipulation: a case report

Shunt disconnection is an unreported complication of spinal mobilization and manipulation. We present the case of a young adult who underwent cystoperitoneal (CP) shunt placement for an arachnoid cyst at the age of 6 years. The shunt remained functional during a follow-up period of 11 years. The patient was admitted with headache and diplopia that started after cervical manipulation by a chiropractor. Radiography revealed fracture of the distal catheter and resultant enlargement of the temporosylvian cyst. The patient required replacement of the disconnected tubing caudal to the shunt valve. The distal catheter ruptured immediately below the outlet connector of the valve. The symptoms and signs resolved completely after insertion of a new distal tube into the peritoneum. This case report demonstrates that chiropractic manipulation of the neck may be a cause of tubing breakage in patients with CP shunts.

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunctions: A reflective review

PURPOSE

Pediatric hydrocephalus is a common and challenging condition. To date, the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is still the main lifesaving treatment option. Nonetheless, it remains imperfect and is associated with multiple short- and long-term complications. This paper is a reflective review of the current state of the VPS, our knowledge gaps, and the future state of shunts in neurosurgical practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The authors' reflections are based on a review of shunts and shunt-related literature.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there is still an urgent need for the neurosurgical community to actively improve current strategies for shunt failures and shunt-related morbidity. The authors emphasize the role of collaborative efforts amongst like-minded clinicians to establish pragmatic approaches to avoid shunt complications.

Anterior versus Posterior Ventricular Catheter Placement in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is the mainstay of treatment for hydrocephalus, but there are relatively high rates of malfunction. Shunt catheter entry can be performed anteriorly or posteriorly, with the body of evidence from randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies suggesting conflicting findings.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed adherent to PRISMA guidelines, searching for clinical studies examining outcomes for anterior or frontal and posterior or occipital ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed on R.

RESULTS

Six studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective cohort studies) comprising 1808 patients were identified. There were no statistically significant differences between anterior and posterior ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for the outcomes of poor catheter placement (odds ratio [OR], 0.74; P = 0.6) and shunt infections (OR, 1.01; P = 0.9). Posterior shunts trended toward greater number of shunt revisions (OR, 0.72; P = 0.06). Six and 12 months shunt survival was comparable between anterior and posterior approaches (P > 0.05). There were significant differences between long-term shunt survival (2 and 5 years shunt survival), favoring anterior shunt placement with greater odds of survival (OR, 1.91 and OR, 1.62, respectively; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that although anteriorly and posteriorly placed shunts have mostly comparable outcomes, shunt survival at 2-year and 5-year intervals favors anteriorly placed shunts. Additional well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate the findings of greater late shunt failure in posteriorly placed shunts, with more time-dependent statistical measures.

A rare case of inferior vena cava occlusion secondary to abdominal pseudocyst associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Abdominal pseudocyst (APC) is an uncommon but well-recognised complication of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt. Diagnosis is based on clinical features of shunt malfunction, including headaches, vomiting and drowsiness, and abdominal swelling. APCs can grow to large sizes resulting in compression of abdominal viscera; however, inferior vena cava (IVC) compression is extremely rare, and only one other case associated with VP shunt had been reported.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with a background of open myelomeningocoele repair, kyphoscoliosis and right-sided VP shunt in situ who presented with bilateral lower limb swelling and abdominal distension. She exhibited no features of raised intracranial pressure but had bilateral pitting oedema up to the groin. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan showed a massive septated pseudocyst (20 × 18 × 8 cm) compressing the IVC. The APC was drained, and the shunt was externalised, with conversion to a ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt 1 week later after cultures of the cystic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and shunt tube came back sterile. The patient remained well with no recurrence of the abdominal fluid and no VA shunt complication at 36-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This patient had specific risk factors for development of a massive APC and the subsequent IVC compression, including prior surgeries, spinal deformity, abnormal abdominal anatomy and poor abdominal muscle tone and sensation. Early recognition of this complication and prompt alleviation of the mass effect of IVC compression can prevent long-term neurological and vascular sequalae.

Survival status and predictors of mortality among children who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Despite the increase in ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgeries performed for children with hydrocephalus, the potential complications and survival of patients after the procedure remains the major challenge for both clinical and public health aspects. This study intends to assess the survival status and scrutinize the predictive factors of mortality among children after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was employed by reviewing charts of 337 systematically selected children who have undergone a ventriculoperitoneal shunt from 2016 to 2018 in Addis Ababa. The extraction tool was used for data collection, Epi-data version 4.4.2 for data entry, and Stata version-14 for cleaning and analysis. Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and life table were used to describe the data. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for analysis. Any variable at p < 0.25 in the bi-variable analysis was fitted to multivariate analysis, and significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05. Then, AHR with 95% CI was used to report the association and test the statistical significance. Finally, texts and tables were used to present the results.Results and Conclusion: The incidence rate of mortality was 58.4 per 1000 child-months of observation with a median survival time of 12 months (95%CI: 9.04-14.96). Communicative hydrocephalus (AHR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.18-3.36), post-traumatic brain injury (AHR: 7.43, 95% CI: 3.21-16.88), emergency surgery (AHR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17-3.13) as well as revised shunt procedure (AHR: 8.01, 95% CI: 6.12-13.43) were independent predictors of death. Besides, sunset eye (ARH: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.17-3.47), rapidly increased head size (ARH: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.14-3.37), prolonged antibiotics treatment (AHR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.82-7.37), and gram-negative infections (AHR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.60-12.64) were also significantly associated. Hence, health professionals ought to give special attention to patients with identified predictors.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction, a Rare Cause of Paraplegia after Kyphosis Correction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction after kyphosis surgery in 12-year boy caused a sudden hydrocephalus which increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure within the spinal cord and decreased cord perfusion. Spinal cord at apex of deformity was vulnerable to ischemia which caused paraplegia. The ischemic event was reversible after re-insertion of the VPS.

Study Design.

Case report and literature review.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to report a rare case of hydrocephalus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction following kyphosis correction that resulted in paraplegia in the postoperative period. The available English literature to explain the possible cause of paraplegia is reviewed.

Summary of Background Data.

Twelve-year male child presented with a severe dorsal kyphoscoliosis deformity with spastic paraparesis since 4 months. The lower extremities had grade-2 power and spasticity. The sensation was reduced below D9. The deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated with ankle clonus. Bowel-bladder had urgency and frequency. The radiographs and CT showed D6-7 hemi-vertebra with complex kyphoscoliosis deformity. magnetic resonance imaging showed a stretching cord at D6-7 due to 92° angular kyphosis. The somatosensory evoked potential showed posterior column involvement. The VPS was placed for hydrocephalus at 4 months of age. The shunt remained functioned throughout childhood.

Methods.

He underwent posterior vertebral column resection and kyphosis correction surgery. Postoperative CNS function was normal. Neurology was status quo. After 20 hours, the boy appeared irritable, confused with a headache and repetitive vomiting (Glasgow coma scale: 7-8/15). Computed tomography brain showed dilated both ventricles with left shunt in situ. Immediate re-shunting was done from right side. The CNS status improved dramatically and regained consciousness. Neurology deteriorated to grade-0 with increased spasticity and further decreased sensation below D9. The spinal causes (hematoma, implant malposition, syrinx) were ruled out.

Results.

Delayed neurological recovery was seen at 6th week after shunt surgery. The Rapid motor march was observed and became independent ambulatory at 12th week. At 6 months, he improved up-to grade4 power with grade 2 spasticity which maintained at 2 years.

Conclusion.

VPS blockage caused a sudden hydrocephalus which increased CSF pressure within the spinal cord and decreased cord perfusion. Spinal cord at apex of deformity was vulnerable to ischemia which caused paraplegia.

Level of Evidence: 5

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt induced neck mass mimicking sternocleidomastoid tumour: a previously unreported complication

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) for hydrocephalus is associated with various complications. Torticollis due to shunt tract fibrosis is a rare complication of VPS that occurs years later after the initial operation. However, shunt track fibrosis that progressed to large neck mass, mimicking sternocleidomastoid tumour and causing torticollis is a previously unreported complication. This led to the restriction of neck movement and hemifacial hypoplasia. Complete excision of the mass restored neck movement.

Association between ventricular shunt catheter calcifications and the development of shunt fracture

BACKGROUND

Calcifications along ventricular catheters have been associated with shunt fractures although it is unknown whether their development predicts whether and when the shunts will fracture.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether extracranial calcifications found on a radiographic shunt series predicts whether a patient will experience a shunt catheter fracture or complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients with a ventricular shunt placed before 18 years of age and radiographic shunt series. Two thousand, six hundred and thirty shunt series in 523 patients (301 male) were reviewed to identify the development of calcifications around the catheter and fracture. Fifty-one patients were excluded for preexisting calcifications with shunt fracture. (48) Absence of shunt (2) or age (1). Analysis included descriptive statistics, odds ratio and chi-square test results.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy-two patients were included. Of the 59 shunts in 58 patients that developed calcifications, 23 went on to fracture (39%). Forty shunts without calcification in 37 patients developed fractures. There is a significant positive association between calcification and fracture (Χ²=39.1, P<0.01). It is 6.12 times more likely that a fractured shunt had calcifications compared to a non-fractured shunt having calcifications. Calcifications appeared within an average of 9 years, 10 months (range: 4-14 years) after shunt insertion. Shunt fractures occurred within an average of 5 years, 2 months (range: 6 months-9 years) after the appearance of calcifications with a median patient age of 14.6 years. Nearly all fractures were at or adjacent to the calcifications, most commonly in the neck (17/23; 73.9%).

CONCLUSION

Shunt calcification represents a significant risk for catheter fracture in the pediatric population. Early intervention or closer interval follow-up may be indicated in those found to have calcifications.

Patent Persistent Fibrous Tract in a Patient with Disconnected Lumboperitoneal Shunt

Disconnection of proximal or distal catheter is seen more frequently in the complication of the lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt. A connective tissue sheath that forms around the peritoneal catheter of silicone shunt tubing is a normal biological response to foreign material. The literature did not establish whether the disconnected LP shunt can allow passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the disconnected portion. However, proof of the passage of CSF through these sheaths has been reported in only one published study to date. We present a case of a young patient with disconnected LP shunt who reported patent persistent fibrous tract around the tube shunt. In conclusion, asymptomatic patients with shunt disconnection should be evaluated with shuntography for patency of fibrous sheath before removal of the shunt to avoid the possible complications.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Disconnection, Shunt Migration, and Silent Bowel Perforation in a 10-Year-Old Boy

A 10-year-old boy was admitted with chest wall infection around the implanted ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) catheter of 5 days. He had received a right-sided, medium pressure, whole-length VPS for hydrocephalus, following tubercular meningitis at the age of 3 years. Seven years, 9 months following VPS implantation, he was admitted with shunt tract infection at the chest area for 5 days. He had neither fever nor features of meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, or peritonitis. His clinical examination and radiological investigations revealed that the VPS catheter was disconnected at the cranial site, and it was migrated downward up to the upper chest. He was managed well with the removal of the entire VPS catheter. The removed peritoneal catheter along with the shunt chamber was loaded with fecal matter and was presumed that the peritoneal catheter was within the colon. His postoperative recovery was excellent. This is a rare case of VPS catheter disconnection, shunt migration, and silent bowel perforation by peritoneal catheter, and all the above-mentioned complications were detected in a child at the same time and were managed well with the removal of the entire VPS catheter.

Management of exposed ventriculoperitoneal shunt on the scalp in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

The exposure of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt on the scalp is a serious complication. There are limited studies evaluating this complication's management in the literature. The aim of this study is to define the management of shunt salvage and the reconstruction of the scalp.

METHODS

This retrospective study included seven pediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts that were exposed on the scalp for various reasons. The demographic characteristics of the patients and the medical and surgical treatments used were recorded. The patient follow-up durations and complications associated with these methods were determined.

RESULTS

Four female and three male patients with an average age of 5.7 were followed for an average of 9.4 months. All but one of these patients were treated without removing the shunt. While one skin flap was used in one patient, successful repairs were made with double skin flaps in five patients. There were no complications during follow-up for the patients treated with these methods.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the appropriate management of shunt exposure, which is common in pediatric cases, has been revealed. Given appropriate infection prevention, the reconstruction of the scalp is possible without the removal of the shunt.