Effect of shunt catheter on the systemic immune response: evaluation of neutrophil count, function, and rate of chemotaxis.

OBJECT

The localized impairment of the host defense mechanism due to the presence of a shunt apparatus has been suggested as a risk factor for shunt infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the probable systemic effect of a shunt catheter on neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis in vivo.

METHODS

Twenty-four children with hydrocephalus who were referred to the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement were included in this study. Neutrophil count, chemotaxis, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) tests were performed before and 2 months after the operation. In comparing the preoperative neutrophil count, NBT percentage, and chemotaxis (with and without the addition of a chemoattractant factor) with these same factors postoperatively, the authors found no statistically significant differences. In four children, shunt infections developed during the follow-up period. There were no significant differences between the aforementioned parameters in children with infected shunts and those with uninfected shunts.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study do not support the idea of systemic impairment of neutrophils after shunt insertion. Further studies with more specific methods are required to elaborate on this issue.