<i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> and <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> Infections in Children with Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts

Abstract

&lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt; This paper reviews the frequency of central nervous system infections due to &lt;i&gt;Haemophilus influenzae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Streptococcus pneumoniae&lt;/i&gt; associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts in pediatric patients. The need for immunizations in this patient population is also evaluated. &lt;i&gt;Patients:&lt;/i&gt; All patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunts except those with brain tumors seen in our clinics. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; We reviewed data in three computer databases, kept prospectively recording details of CSF shunt procedures and CSF shunt-related infections. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; 1,226 patients underwent 3,889 shunt placements between 1957 and 2007. Twelve patients had 14 episodes of &lt;i&gt;Haemophilus&lt;/i&gt; or pneumococcal infections. &lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt; Children with CSF shunts are at high risk for infection with &lt;i&gt;H. influenzae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;S. pneumoniae.&lt;/i&gt; Routine immunizations during infancy in addition to the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine should be highly and actively encouraged by health care providers caring for children with CSF shunts. Additional expanded-coverage vaccines should be utilized if and when they become available.</jats:p