The Landscape of Pediatric Hydrocephalus in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal: A Comparative Analysis of the Referral Pattern, Etiology, and Management Outcomes in 4 Distinct 5-Year Periods.

Background: Pediatric hydrocephalus is a significant health burden globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Data from specific regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are lacking. This study aimed to investigate pediatric hydrocephalus by comparing 4 distinct 5-year periods.

A comparison of the surgical outcomes of ventriculoperitoneal versus lumbar peritoneal shunts in the management of intracranial hypertension secondary to cryptococcal meningitis in HIV infected adult patients.

Objective: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM), an AIDS-defining illness, significantly impacts morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare complications arising from ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and lumbar peritoneal shunt (LPS) procedures used to manage refractory intracranial hypertension (IH) secondary to CM in HIV-infected patients.

Methods: Retrospective data were collected from January 2003 to January 2015 for HIV-infected adults diagnosed with refractory IH secondary to CM and subsequently shunted.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in HIV-infected children treated for tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in children diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus and HIV co-infection undergoing cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures and their complications.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively between 2007 and 2022. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, biochemistry results, CD4 count, radiology findings, CSF diversion procedures (and complications), length of hospital stay (LOHS), and in-hospital mortality.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting in Children with Hydrocephalus and Increased Intracranial Pressure Secondary to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Background: Hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure secondary to human immunodeficiency virus-related cryptococcal meningitis are rare in children. The role and outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting in children are not well reported. We report our experience with CSF shunting in the management of this condition in children over a 14-year period.

MRI characteristics of intracranial masses in the paediatric population of KwaZulu-Natal: A neuroimaging-based study.

Background: MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the assessment of intracranial masses in children. Imaging is vital in planning further management.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the common intracranial masses and their imaging characteristics in the paediatric population referred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital for MRI of the brain.

HIV, Tuberculosis, and Otogenic Intracranial Sepsis: A Devastating Disease With a Subtle Presentation.

Objectives: To undertake a large-scale review of otogenic intracranial sepsis in an area of highly prevalent HIV and tuberculosis (TB) to re-examine and inform early diagnosis and treatment efforts.

Methods: Seventy-seven consecutive cases of otogenic intracranial sepsis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were reviewed for demographics, presentation, imaging, HIV status, culture results, and outcomes.

Results: The most common intracranial complications were intracranial abscess (46.

Retained garden fork following cranial stab injury.

Retained garden fork is a rare complication of penetrating cranial trauma. Retained knife blade is the most commonly reported presentation. We report an unusual case of a 30-year-old male patient treated at our institution, who presented with a retained garden fork following a stab to the head, with no associated neurological deficits.

Spinal stab injury with retained knife blades: 51 Consecutive patients managed at a regional referral unit.

Background: Spinal stab wounds presenting with retained knife blades (RKB) are uncommon, often resulting in spinal cord injury (SCI) with catastrophic neurological consequences. The purpose of this study is to report a single unit's experience in management of this pattern of injury at this regional referral centre.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records identified 51 consecutive patients with spinal stabs presenting with a RKB at the Neurosurgery Department at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital between January 2003 and February 2015.

Cranial injuries secondary to assault with a machete.

Background: Assaults with a machete cause compound skull fractures which present as a neurosurgical emergency. We aimed to profile cranial injuries caused by a machete over a 10 year period in a single neurosurgical unit.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective data analysis of cranial injuries following assault with a machete, admitted to the neurosurgery ward, from January 2003 to December 2012 was performed.