Summary
Eight consecutive cases of ventriculitis detected and treated during a four year period are reviewed. This complication represented 7.9% of all cases of spina bifida treated surgically, and 5.4% of all shunt procedures performed during the study period. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment did not reduce the incidence of ventriculitis, and in fact seemed to produce resistant strains, which led to difficulties in treatment and a worse prognosis. The presence of an intraventricular foreign body precludes permanent sterilization of the ventricular fluid. Finally, in those cases in which the antibiotic of choice penetrates poorly into the cerebrospinal fluid, intraventricular as well as systemic administration of the drug is indicated. With Gram negative organisms, Gentamicin is currently the drug of choice.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Goitein, K. J., J. Michel, and T. Sacks, The penetration of parenterally administered gentamicin into the cerebrospinal fluid. An experimental model in dogs. To be published.
Jasper, P. L., and R. E. Merrill, Hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele. Amer. J. Dis. Child.110 (1965), 652–657.
Kaiser, A. B., and Z. A. McGee, Therapy of Gram negative bacillary meningitis. Clin. Res.22 (1974), 33.
Little, J. R., A. L., Rhoton, and J. F. Mellinger, Comparison of ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoatrial shunts for hydrocephalus in children. Mayo Clin. Proc.47 (1972), 396–401.
Lorber, J., and M. Segall, Bacterial meningitis in spina bifida cystica. Arch. Dis. Childh.37 (1962), 300–308.
—, and A. M. Bruce, Prospective controlled studies in bacterial “meningitis” in spina bifida cystica. Develop. Med. Child. Neurol.5 (1963), 146–153.
—, S. C. Kalhan, and B. Mahgrefte, Treatment of ventriculitis with gentamicin and cloxacillin in infants born with spina bifida. Arch. Dis. Childh.45 (1970), 178–185.
Mathies, A. W., Jr., A. Lavatter, and J. M. Leedom et al., Gentamicin in the treatment of meningitis. J. Infect. Dis.124 (1971), 249–253.
Moellering, R. C., Jr., and E. G. Fischer, Relationship of intraventricular gentamicin levels to cure meningitis. J. Pediat.81 (1972), 534–537.
Newman, R. L., and R. J. Holt, Gentamicin in pediatrics. I. Report on intrathecal gentamicin. J. Infect. Dis.124 (1971), 254–256.
Salmon, J. H., Ventriculitis complicating meningitis. Amer. J. Dis. Child.124 (1972), 35–40.
Stark, G., Treatment of ventriculitis in hydrocephalic infants: Intrathecal and intraventricular use of the new penicillins. Develop. Med. Child Neurol.15 (1968), 36–44.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Drapkin, A.J., Michel, J., Sacks, T. et al. Postoperative ventriculitis in infants. Acta neurochir 32, 89–100 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405906
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405906