Penetration of cefoperazone into the ventricular fluid in patients with non-inflamed meninges

Hydrocephalus is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the cranial vault. This results from an increased pressure gradient between the intraventricular fluid and the brain due to the inadequate removal of this fluid by the lymphatic, circulatory, and central nervouss. Possible etiologies of this disorder include: 1.) congenital malformation; 2.) excess formation of cerebral spinal fluid by the choroid plexus, which may or may not be accompanied by abnormal absorption of the fluid into the vascular system; 3.) cysts and neoplasms involving the brain; 4.) infections within the central nervous system; and 5.) trauma. Clinical signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include an increase in the intracranial pressure, enlargement of the cranium, headaches, vomiting, confusion and lethargy. The objectives of this study were to determine simultaneous serum and ventricular fluid levels and side effects of ceforerazone in children with non-inflamed menignes requiring perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for placement or revision of a VP shunt. The ventricular fluid levels obtained were then compared to the in vitro concentrations required to inhibit bacterial growth of the most common organism associated with VP shunt infections.