Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Infections in a Pediatric Cohort: Clinical Predictors and Microbiological Insights from a Tertiary Center

Aims: This study aims to identify epidemiological, microbiological, and laboratory characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infections in children and evaluate associated risk factors. Patients and Methods: Patients aged 0–18 years who underwent ventricular shunt placement at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 201 shunt procedures performed in 176 patients were analyzed, with infection occurring in 32 cases (15.9%). Infection rates were higher in subgaleal shunts (60%) than ventriculoperitoneal shunts (15.2%) ( p = 0.018). Shunt infections developed in 31.7% of procedures involving at least one risk factor, compared with 5.7% of procedures without identified risk factors ( p < 0.001). Preterm infants (