Will my son be able to lead a healthy life after a shunt infection?
Q: My son was born pre-mature at 32 weeks. He was treated in the NICU of a leading hospital. During his 37th week, he was diagnosed with a Grade-III / IV IVH and then he underwent a VP shunt procedure and was discharged from the hospital. Just two days after discharge, he started having high temperature and we took him to the same hospital where the doctors said he has had a severe seizure attack and has developed an infection in his brain. The doctors gave him Vancomycin 30 mg 3 times a day intravenously. The doctor says that the treatment should be continued for six weeks. My questions are:-
A:No, I do not think that you can stop treatment on your own. You may choose to take a second opinion if you wish.
Shunt related infections are difficult to eradicate and therefore may need antibiotics for longer. Some times the shunt may need to be changed.
Long term Vancomycin may have some side effects but that chance has to be taken.
Usually shunted babies have a reasonable developmental outcome. However, shunt infections and repeated shunt changes may affect outcome.
