Antibiotic or silver versus standard ventriculoperitoneal shunts (BASICS): a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised trial and economic evaluation

Study (n=3,505) found antibiotic shunts for hydrocephalus significantly reduce risk of infection vs. standard shunts (6% vs. 2% [HR 0.38, 97.5% CI 0.18–0.80, p=0.0038]) in patients. Silver shunts were associated with same number of infections as standard shunts.

A related commentary suggests this practice will benefit patients of all ages by reducing the risk and harm of shunt infection; which affects up to 15% of these patients, resulting in prolonged hospital treatment, multiple surgeries, and reduced cognition and quality of life.