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Objective: We aim to evaluate whether intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling during ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt insertion can predict future VP shunt infection or guide its management., Methods: 83 paediatric patients undergoing VP shunt insertion between February 2013 and July 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics, presence of pre-operative extra ventricular drain (EVD), pre-operative CSF results, and intra-operative CSF results were identified from patient case notes and electronic clinical databases. All included patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months for identification of shunt infection., Results: 90 VP shunt insertions were performed in 83 patients. Age at time of shunt insertion ranged from 5 days to 15.8 years (mean 44.2 months). Tumours were the most common aetiology for hydrocephalus (n = 24). 67 cases (74.4%) had intra-operative CSF samples, of which 2 revealed the presence of bacteria. Only 1 patient with intra-operative CSF sampling positive for growth developed shunt infection during follow up. Two cases developed a shunt infection despite normal intra-operative CSF results. Three cases did not have intra-operative CSF sampling but developed a shunt infection during follow up. Intra-operative CSF culture achieved 33.3% sensitivity and 98.4% specificity for predicting future shunt infection (p = 0.154). The Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve of intra-operative white cell count (WCC) and shunt infection at 6 months follow up yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 50.3%., Conclusion: Our results show that intraoperative CSF sampling as a method to predict future risk of shunt infection and to help inform future antibiotic prescribing is unreliable. Given an AUC of 50.3%, it is no better than chance as a diagnostic tool. Further larger studies are needed to substantiate this., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Predictive factors for post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in adults have been elucidated but remain uncertain for children. We aimed to identify the prevalence of PTH in paediatric patients and identify clinical/radiological factors which may increase the probability of children developing PTH., Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients < 16 years old admitted to our unit with traumatic brain injury (TBI) between March 2013 and June 2018, 108 patients in total. Patients were classified as mild (13-15), moderate (9-12) or severe (3-8) TBI based on admission GCS. Three independent reviewers collected data from case notes. CT scans were reviewed for hydrocephalus using Evan's index. Two-tailed Fisher's exact tests with a p value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Median patient age was 7 years, and 65% were males (n = 70). PTH wasn't identified in any patients with mild/moderate TBI (n = 79). In cases of severe TBI (n = 29), three patients developed PTH requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunting (10%; p = 0.02). Radiological features which were significantly more common in the PTH group were intraventricular haemorrhage (p = 0.05) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (p = 0.03). There was also a trend towards a statistically significant association with subdural haematoma (p = 0.07). The need for other neurosurgical procedures, such as fracture elevation and craniotomy, did not increase the probability of developing with PTH (p = 0.08)., Discussion: The prevalence of PTH in our study is 2.7%. Factors which may be associated with a higher probability of developing PTH may include IVH, SAH, severity of TBI, and subdural haematoma. We propose a national prospective multicentre database of paediatric PTH. The data collected on prevalence, presentation, risk factors, and management could guide contemporary management and improve the outcomes of children with PTH.

Purpose: Hydrocephalus is a major cause of morbidity in the pediatric population, with potentially severe consequences if left untreated. Two viable strategies for management of non-communicating hydrocephalus are endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. However, there is uncertainty over the safety and efficacy of ETV in younger infants aged 1 year or below. In this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the success rate and procedural risks of ETV in this age group., Methods: A multi-database (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) literature search between January 1990 and April 2018 was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were included if they (i) examined non-communicating hydrocephalus; (ii) quantified the success/failure rates of ETV; and (iii) assessed outcomes in children 1 year of age or younger., Results: A total of 19 articles with 399 patients were eligible for inclusion. Mean age at procedure was 4.2 months (range 34 weeks gestation to 12 months), with 116 females and 143 males. Commonest underlying aetiology was congenital aqueductal stenosis (AS) (60.4%). Remaining causes included post-haemorrhagic, post-infection, Chiari malformations, malignancies and others. Overall and AS mean success rates were 51.6% and 56.5% respectively. Overall complication rate was 10.0%, consisting mainly of CSF leak, infection, and haemorrhage. Younger age was significantly associated with poorer ETV success rate when divided into <6 months and 6-12 months of age (44.4 vs 66.7%; p = 0.0007). Underlying pathology had no significant association with ETV outcome when divided into AS and other pathologies (p = 0.53)., Conclusions: Age is significantly associated with ETV success rates. Pathology-dependent effects were not found in this age group. Despite a lower ETV success rate at younger ages (44.4 vs 66.7%), it offers a comparable safety profile that is independent of age. ETV remains a viable treatment option for non-communicating hydrocephalus for infants aged 1 year or younger., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2020 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a sporadic condition characterised by congenital melanocytic nevi and melanocytic thickening of the leptomeninges. It is believed to result from congenital dysplasia of melanin-producing cells within the skin and leptomeninges. The management of cutaneous manifestations remains controversial; for neurological manifestations, outcome remains poor even with the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy., Patients and Methods: We describe the case of a 5-month-old boy who presented with giant congenital melanocytic nevus and hydrocephalus. MR imaging and CSF immunohistochemistry confirmed leptomeningeal melanosis. We discuss the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this rare disorder in the light of recent published literature., Results: Patient required placement of right-sided ventriculoperitoneal shunt to control hydrocephalus. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home with normal neurological function. A presumptive diagnosis of NCM was made based on the MR characteristics, CSF cytology and clinical presentation. He received trametinib, a MAPK/Erk kinase inhibitor for 7 months. At 30 months of age, he developed left-sided weakness and status epilepticus requiring paediatric intensive care unit admission and ventilator support. The patient eventually succumbed to malignant transformation of leptomeningeal disease., Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations of NCM are usually congenital, and neurological manifestations develop early in life. Patients with large or multiple congenital nevi should therefore be investigated early to facilitate treatment. MR imaging is the investigation of choice which can further assist in performing biopsy. Symptomatic NCM is refractory to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and has a poor prognosis. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the management of NCM patients.

Background: Post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), a potential consequence of grade II-IV germinal matrix haemorrhage, remains a significant problem in premature infants with long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities and high mortality rates. Early ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion is associated with a high failure rate and many complications; hence, temporising measures are always instituted until the infant is mature (age and/or weight) enough., Methods: We have reviewed the recently available literature on the usefulness and complications of the initial measures used in the treatment of PHH; particularly, focusing on serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tapping, external ventricular drainage (EVD), ventriculosubgaleal shunts (VSG), ventricular access devices (VADs), endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with and without coagulation of the choroid plexus., Results: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to demonstrate a significant effect of serial lumbar punctures on the rates of morbidity, mortality or conversion to permanent VPS in the treatment of PHH. Retrospective studies, mostly with small patients' numbers, provide not only a considerable controversy regarding EVD, VSG, VADs and ETV usefulness in the management of PHH but also variable rates on their complications. None of these variables have, however, been tested using RCTs., Conclusion: There is no level-one evidence to support the superiority of any of the currently available temporising measures in the initial treatment of PHH over others. The need for such rigorous studies remains largely unmet. We feel that a UK multi-centre-RCT is paramount to provide neurosurgeons with the evidence needed to choose the best initial approach for PPH treatment, yet with minimal complications' rate.