COVID-19 and Shunt Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients: Experience From the Pandemic

Authors : Halil Kul, Medine Ezgi Öcal, Harun Demirci, Berkcan Demir, Yusuf Küçük, Pınar Özışık

Pages : 576-581

Doi:10.18663/tjcl.1821445

View : 25 | Download : 71

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is the most widely accepted method for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Shunt dysfunction is a common complication with various etiologies. This study aimed to evaluate pediatric patients who underwent surgery due to shunt dysfunction during the pandemic period and were COVID-19 positive in the preoperative period. Material and Methods: The findings of the patients who underwent surgical treatment with a preliminary diagnosis of shunt dysfunction between March 2020 and 2023 were examined in the present study. A retrospective cross-sectional design was adopted. Age, sex, date of COVID-19 positivity, symptoms at presentation, CSF findings, CSF culture, blood tests, and applied treatments of the patients were obtained from patient files and electronic records. Results: Among 13 pediatric patients with VP shunt dysfunction and preoperative COVID-19 positivity, fever (61.5%) and decreased sucking/restlessness (62.5%) were the most frequent symptoms. Two patients had positive CSF cultures. Biochemical abnormalities were observed, including elevated D-dimer and transaminases. Conclusion: COVID-19 may contribute to shunt dysfunction through gastrointestinal and peritoneal involvement, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for shunt malfunction in pediatric patients with COVID-19 and hydrocephalus.
Keywords : Hidrosefali, Pediatrik Nöroşirürji, Şant Revizyonu, SARS-CoV-2

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