MATERIAL and METHODS: Twenty pediatric patients aged 0?9 years who were diagnosed with shunt infection between 2018 and 2024 were included in the study. In this retrospective analysis, demographic data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood parameters, microbiological culture results, and antibiotic treatments were examined. The relationship between NLR and CRP, CSF glucose, and CSF protein levels was assessed.

RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the NLR values before and after treatment. A positive correlation was found between pre-treatment NLR and CRP (?=0.65; p=0.002), as well as between post-treatment NLR and CRP (?=0.71; p=0.001). Pretreatment NLR values differed significantly between patients with and without microbial growth (p=0.045). A positive correlation was also found between NLR and CSF protein levels. These findings support the potential use of NLR in the diagnostic process of shunt infections.

CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may serve as a valuable auxiliary parameter in the early diagnosis of infection and in monitoring treatment response in pediatric shunt infections. Further prospective and multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings. Anahtar Kelimeler : Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Shunt infection, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Pediatrics, Inflammatory Marker