Patterns and prognosis of Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction among pediatrics in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To examine the predictors of pediatric ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt malfunction in a university hospital.

Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted. Patients under 18 years old who underwent VP shunt revision at least once between 2016 and 2019 were included. Data were stratified based on age, gender, diagnosis, type of valve, valve position, cause of revision, and part revised.

Results: A total of 45 patients (64% males and 36% females) were included in this study. Eighty-two revision surgeries were identified. The most common revised part was the entire shunt system. The most common type of valve which required revision was the low-pressure valve (15.5%). Since a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant, no significant differences among the 4 groups for different points.

Conclusions: Younger age at initial VP shunt insertion is associated with a higher rate of shunt malfunction. Valve mechanical failures followed by infections are the most common causes for the first 3 revisions. A prospective multi-center study to confirm the current findings is recommended.