Early Surgical Intervention with Antibiotic Treatment for Congenital Dermal Sinus with Central Nervous System Infection: A Retrospective Study of 20 Cases

Objective To investigate the efficacy of surgical intervention with antibiotic treatment for congenital dermal sinus (CDS) with central nervous system infection. Methods Clinical data of 20 patients with CDS and central nervous system infection were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received early surgical treatment combined with postoperative antibiotic therapy after the diagnosis was confirmed. The infection control effect was evaluated according to the clinical symptoms, laboratory examination results, and improvement of neurological function. Results All 20 patients were treated with complete resection of the CDS and postoperative antibiotic therapy. No severe surgical complications occurred. Patients were followed for 3–81 months with a median follow-up time of 37.5 months. Postoperative infection was effectively controlled with no recurrence. Neurological dysfunction and related symptoms improved to varying extents after treatment, and the Spina Bifida Neurological Scale score at the final follow-up significantly increased. Conclusions Patients with CDS and central nervous system infection should receive surgical management at an early stage with antibiotic treatment. This treatment algorithm was effective for control infection and protection of neurological function.