Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting in Children on Renal Dialysis

Abstract

The concurrent need for both cerebrospinal fluid shunting for hydrocephalus and dialysis for end-stage renal disease is rare. No large case series are found in the literature. Because dialysis involves frequent access to either the peritoneal cavity or the venous system, concern over potential cerebrospinal shunt infection represents a point of concern. We present 2 cases in which patients underwent both dialysis and cerebrospinal fluid shunting. In one case, a child underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting, while in the second case ventriculoatrial shunting was performed as the initial procedure. Management strategies and potential complications are discussed.

Abdominal Pseudocyst Development in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient with a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: An Indication for Switch to Hemodialysis?

“…A ventriculoperitonal shunt (VPS) is one of the therapeutic approaches in patients with hydrocephalus. Patients may rarely require a VPS and renal replacement therapy concurrently (1). Although some concerns may arise about the safety of peritoneal dialysis (PD), it is not accepted as a contraindication in patients with a VPS (2,3).…”