Overdrainage of CSF
Over-drainage
http://hydrocephalus.allanach.dk/complications
Over-drainage is a more difficult problem, although a higher pressure shunt will initially solve the problem, it is not usually a long term solution. Studies have shown that the use of an 'anti-siphon device' (a small button inserted into the shunt tubing) will often solve the problem, but this does not always work. Some shunts have these built-in, but neurosurgical opinion varies as to whether they should be used. To change a valve pressure it is necessary to remove the valve and insert another. The 'programmable' or adjustable shunt is intended to allow adjustment of the working pressure of the valve without operation. The valve contains magnets which allow the setting to be changed by laying a second magnetic device on the scalp. This is useful where the need for a valve of a different pressure arises. The adjustable valve is no less prone to over-drainage than any other and it cannot be used to treat this condition.
It has long been believed that a raised protein level in the CSF will block the shunt. In babies with hydrocephalus shunting has been delayed until the protein level has fallen. Recent research has shown that a raised CSF protein level has no ill-effect on shunt function, nor does it increase the risk of infection, and there is now no reason to delay unless blood is also present.
Over-drainage may lead to a variety of problems such as subdural haematoma, post-shunt craniosynostosis, and slit ventricle syndrome. As postural changes and patient height are partially related to the over-drainage, these problems, with the exception of craniosynostosis, are seen mostly in children and adolescents rather than infants.
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http://hydrocephalus.allanach.dk/complications
Over-drainage is a more difficult problem, although a higher pressure shunt will initially solve the problem, it is not usually a long term solution. Studies have shown that the use of an 'anti-siphon device' (a small button inserted into the shunt tubing) will often solve the problem, but this does not always work. Some shunts have these built-in, but neurosurgical opinion varies as to whether they should be used. To change a valve pressure it is necessary to remove the valve and insert another. The 'programmable' or adjustable shunt is intended to allow adjustment of the working pressure of the valve without operation. The valve contains magnets which allow the setting to be changed by laying a second magnetic device on the scalp. This is useful where the need for a valve of a different pressure arises. The adjustable valve is no less prone to over-drainage than any other and it cannot be used to treat this condition.
It has long been believed that a raised protein level in the CSF will block the shunt. In babies with hydrocephalus shunting has been delayed until the protein level has fallen. Recent research has shown that a raised CSF protein level has no ill-effect on shunt function, nor does it increase the risk of infection, and there is now no reason to delay unless blood is also present.
Over-drainage may lead to a variety of problems such as subdural haematoma, post-shunt craniosynostosis, and slit ventricle syndrome. As postural changes and patient height are partially related to the over-drainage, these problems, with the exception of craniosynostosis, are seen mostly in children and adolescents rather than infants.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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