Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction in a complex parturient: a case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is an effective procedure used to treat congenital hydrocephalus and has significantly improved the survivability of these patients to reach a reproductive age. However, as people with VP shunts become pregnant, they face a substantial risk related to shunt failure. The literature reports that up to 50 % of parturients with a VP shunt will experience some form of shunt related complication during their pregnancy. However, there are few published case reports documenting the clinical sequelae of parturients who ultimately experience these complications. The added physiological changes associated with pregnancy can further challenge the management of these parturients. Parturients with a VP shunt require a multidisciplinary team and close monitoring to detect any potential neurological changes and shunt malfunction. The use of a multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Here, we present a case of a complex parturient with a VP shunt complicated by shunt malfunction along with a literature review of the incidence of shunt malfunction, severity of symptoms, possible treatment options, and the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.
Source: Medical Reports
Authors: Nicole Y. Xu, Christine Y. Shen, Allen Wang, Michelle Yanik, Erin I. Martin, Lawrence Weinstein
Institution: University of California San Diego
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,900
OpenAlex ID: W4411605219