CSF Shunt Complications

CSF shunt complications in pediatric patients, specifically infections and mechanical malfunctions, require rapid identification and neurosurgical intervention in the emergency department. Shunt infections, most prevalent within the first month post-placement, typically involve skin flora and necessitate shunt removal alongside parenteral antibiotics. Conversely, malfunctions are predominantly mechanical, often resulting from proximal catheter obstruction. Diagnostic evaluation relies on head CTs, shunt series, and clinical assessment, with specific prediction rules aiding in the identification of high-risk patients. While shunt taps and abdominal ultrasounds provide additional diagnostic utility for distal issues like pseudocysts, definitive management remains surgical. Maintaining patient stability through standard ABC protocols is essential while awaiting transfer to a facility with pediatric neurosurgical capabilities.