Screening of epileptic seizures in children and adolescents with hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the occurrence of epileptic seizures (ES) in children and adolescents with hydrocephalus and their relationship with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) treatment. Methods: Retrospective study of 45 patients from both genders, aged 0 to 18 years, with hydrocephalus and presenting with ES or not. The following variables were analyzed: gender, hydrocephalus etiology, age at diagnosis, age at initial VPS treatment, age at first ES and types of ES. Results: Data analysis showed the following: 20 (44.4%) presented with ES, 13 (65%) of the girls and seven (35%) of the boys. There was a predominance of ES in the girls, but with no statistically significant difference. In total, 13 (65%) patients used VPS. Of the 13 patients with VPS and ES, it was observed that the onset of ES was after VPS in 10 (76.9%) individuals, whereas it occurred before VPS in two (15.4%). Conclusions: The results showed no association between VPS treatment and ES (p=0.832); however, most of the patients presented with their first ES episode after VPS, suggesting a possible relationship between this treatment and the occurrence of ES. A larger sample and a prospective study might answer this question.