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Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 10/2009

01-10-2009 | Clinical Article

Antibiotic-impregnated ventriculo-peritoneal shunts in patients at high risk of infection

Authors: Alessio Albanese, Pasquale De Bonis, Giovanni Sabatino, Gennaro Capone, Enrico Marchese, Andrea Vignati, Giulio Maira

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 10/2009

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Abstract

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of antibiotic impregnated shunts (AIS) in reducing shunt infections in a population at high risk of shunt infection.

Methods

From October 2005 to October 2007, patients at high risk of infection (severely disabled, not able to take care of themselves, frequent nosocomial infections) were selected from the 198 adults who underwent shunt placement.

Results

Eighteen adults were identified (mean age 61.8 years). Six patients had AISs, and 12 patients had non-AISs. Groups did not differ in age, sex, type of hydrocephalus or hospital stay before shunting. Shunt infection occurred in 7/12 cases of the non-AIS group (58.3%) versus no infections in the AIS group. In six of seven cases, infection occurred within the first 6 months after surgery. A prevalence of S. epidermidis was detected.

Conclusions

We believe that in these patients AIS could be effective. Larger, prospective studies are needed in order to definitely address this issue.
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Metadata
Title
Antibiotic-impregnated ventriculo-peritoneal shunts in patients at high risk of infection
Authors
Alessio Albanese
Pasquale De Bonis
Giovanni Sabatino
Gennaro Capone
Enrico Marchese
Andrea Vignati
Giulio Maira
Publication date
01-10-2009
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0317-2

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