Der Einfluss telemetrischer Shuntsensoren auf die Behandlung komplexer Hydrocephlus-Patienten mit chronischer Überdrainage oder dysmorphen Ventrikelsystem.

Children with shunt dependency suffer the risk of overdrainage related complications in their future live. Neurosurgeons have to take care of patients from the pre-anti-syphon area. Those young adults can suffer from chronic overdrainage and slit ventricles. The implantation of telemetric sensor devices have been successfully established for the shunt therapy. We evaluated our results from those sensor in a cohort of young adults with dysmorphic ventricles

A retrospective analysis of the patient cohort with telemetric shunt sensor devices (n=145) in our department was performed. We included patients that received their first shunt as infants from 1973 to 1999. The inclusion criteria were distorted ventricles including slit ventricles and a change to adjustable valves and anti-syphon devices.

We could identify 25 patients in total, six were lost to follow-up after less than 12 months. Main symptoms were unstable clinical course (n=14) and cephalgia (n=9). After sensor implantation and according valve adjustments 12 of 19 patients reached a stable course and significant reduced symptoms in the follow-up (mean 49 months). The amounts of MRIs could be reduced after the sensor implantations (35 vs. 91). Also, the frequency of appointments was reduced (312 vs 428).

Telemetric shunt sensors are a versatile tool for the long term follow up and treatment of complex cases of hydrocephalus. The measurement can be performed quick and easy in the outpatient clinic and supports the decision making process and reduces the need for imaging controls.