INCIDENCE AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF VENTRICULAR PERITONEAL SHUNT-RELATED INFECTIONS IN ADULT ICU PATIENTS

Abstract

Ventricular-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is the main surgical procedure for treating hydrocephalus in adults, but its infectious complications represent a significant clinical challenge in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This retrospective study, conducted in a tertiary hospital in Recife between January 2021 and December 2024, aimed to analyze the incidence and epidemiological profile of VPS-related infections (VPS-RI) in adult patients. 287 patients were evaluated, of whom 45 developed VPS-RI, corresponding to na incidence of 15.68%. The main associated risk factors were age ≥60 years, device dwell time >15 days, history of previous infection, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy for more than 7 days preoperatively. The most frequent microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (40%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.67%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (20%). Mortality among infected patients was 31.11%, with sepsis and multiple organ failure as the main causes of death. The results highlight the need for the implementation of prevention and surveillance protocols directed at this group of patients, aiming to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.