Influence of the ABO blood groups and secretor status on bleeding and on perforation of duodenal ulcer.

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> Historically VPS failure and infection rates are higher for neonates than for older children. We compared our one year VPS failure and infection rates in under 3-month-olds with those of older children. <h3>Design</h3> A retrospective, single centre study comparing 1 year survival and infection rates of VPS in under 3-month-olds verses older children. <h3>Subjects</h3> 58 children under 3 months of age underwent VPS insertion between January 2007 and December 2016. <h3>Methods</h3> Data was collected by three independent reviewers from electronic files and case notes. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and one year shunt survival curves were produced. <h3>Results</h3> For children under 3 months there was a 29.3% one-year shunt failure rate, of which 2 were shunt infections (3.4%). In patients greater than 3 months, the shunt malfunction rate was 23.4% and the infection rate was 4.3%. There were no shunt-related mortalities in either group. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Children under 3-months-old undergoing VPS insertion should not automatically expect an increased 1 year failure or infection rate compared with older children. Reasons for this may be increased sub-specialisation, improved neonatal care and use of antibiotic impregnated catheters.