Changes in GFAP Levels between Pre and Post Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts in Hydrocephalus Patients

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is a disease that attacks the brain. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a structural cytoskeleton protein expressed by astroglial and neuronal stem cells. One of the hydrocephalus treatments is the VP Shunt. After the treatment through the VP Shunt procedure, GFAP levels generally change. This study aims to determine changes in serum GFAP levels before and after insertion surgery VP Shunt in hydrocephalus patients.

Methodology: This study was an analytic observational quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were patients with hydrocephalus who were treated at the Neurosurgery Section of the Regional General Hospital Dr. Moewardi from April to June 2020.

Results and Discussion: This study had 14 subjects consisting of 9 (64.3%) male subjects and 5 (35.7%) female subjects. The median value of GFAP levels before treatment was 370.5 pg/mL with the lowest level of 168 pg/mL and the highest of 1734 pg/mL. The median value of GFAP levels after VP shunt action was 249.5 pg/mL with the lowest value of 137 pg/mL and the highest of 724 pg/mL. It was found that the GFAP level before and after the VP shunt action had a significant difference with p = 0.035 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the GFAP serum levels before the action and after VP Shunt was performed in hydrocephalus patients.