This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical data of 243 children with shunted hydrocephalus, followed-up during 1 to 27 years, as well as to identify the risk factors for psychomotor disturbances, epilepsy and death. Postoperative meningitis and mechanical problems were the most frequent complications (22.3% and 30.7%, respectively). There was an average of 1.47 shunt per patient. Severe motor disturbances occurred in 34.3%, cognitive deficits in 58.5% and epilepsy in 43.6%. Motor disturbances correlated positively with the degree of hydrocephalus. The majority of patients with hydrocephalus due to meningitis presented cognitive deficits and a significant incidence of epilepsy. Death occurred in 52 patients and there was a higher percentage of brain tumours in this group, as well as the replacement of the first shunt device due to precocious postoperative meningitis.
shunted hydrocephalus; childhood; epidemiology
