Antibiotic-impregnated Catheters Research Articles

Prospective Evaluation of Ventriculostomy Infections.

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections associated with external drainage of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are a significant source of concern for the patients and the provider team alike. Traditional rates of ventriculostomy infection range from 10-17% in a time-dependent fashion. Changing physician and nursing practices fueled this concern over infections. Objective: We sought to prospectively identify the risk factors associated with ventriculostomy infections as part of a quality assurance project. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients were evaluated and data were collected on 91. The primary indications for ventriculostomy were subarachnoid hemorrhage (46%), intracerebral hemorrhage (24%), and trauma (22%). Variables prospectively evaluated included pre-incision antibiotics, sterile technique bundling, setting of placement (operating room versus intensive care unit), experience of operator (attending, resident, or physician assistant), catheter type (antibiotic impregnated or not), use of a post-insertion dressing, and in-dwell time of the catheter. Results: There was only one infection in 91 patients (1.1%). This infection occurred in a patient without an antibiotic-impregnated catheter that was inserted by a resident physician. Compliance with pre-insertion antibiotics was very high, but most other variables had modest deviations in compliance.Conclusion: Infection rate related to external ventricular drainage is very low. Our data suggest that non-antibiotic impregnated catheters may be associated with infection, but that other variables thought to be critical may be of less value.

Does release of antimicrobial agents from impregnated external ventricular drainage catheters affect the diagnosis of ventriculitis?

Recently concern has arisen over the effect of released antimicrobial agents from antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheters on the reliability of CSF culture for diagnosis of ventriculitis. The authors designed a laboratory study to investigate this possibility, and to determine whether there was also a risk of loss of bacterial viability when CSF samples were delayed in transport to the laboratory. Three types of commercially available antibiotic-impregnated EVD catheters were perfused with a suspension of bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) over 21 days. Samples were analyzed for bacterial viability and for concentrations of antibiotics released from the catheters. The authors also investigated the effect on bacterial viability in samples stored at 18°C and 4°C to simulate delay in CSF samples reaching the laboratory for analysis. Bacterial viability was significantly reduced in all 3 catheter types when sampled on Day 1, but this effect was not observed in later samples. The results were reflected in stored samples, with significant loss of viability in Day 1 samples but with little further loss of viable bacteria in samples obtained after this time point. All samples stored for 18 hours showed significant loss of viable bacteria. While there were differences between the catheters, only samples taken on Day 1 showed a significant reduction in the numbers of viable bacteria after passing through the catheters. This reduction coincided with higher concentrations of antimicrobial agents in the first few hours after perfusion began. Similarly, bacterial viability declined significantly after storage of Day 1 samples, but only slightly in samples obtained thereafter. The results indicate that drugs released from these antimicrobial catheters are unlikely to affect the diagnosis of ventriculitis, as sampling for this purpose is not usually conducted in the first 24 hours of EVD.

PMD29 - Economic impact derived from the use of a catheter impregnated with Antibiotic in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus treated with external shunts in Mexico

Estimate the economic impact derived from the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters vs. traditional, non-antibiotic-impregnated catheters for the treatment of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients with external shunts from a Mexican public hospital perspective (IMSS). An Excel-based decision tree was used to estimate the economic consequences of using an antibiotic-impregnated catheter (treatment group) vs. a catheter without antibiotic (control group) for target population. Given procedure volume variability in comparable hospitals, base-case scenario assumed 100 pediatric patients with hydrocephalus and only one potential infection after first catheter placement; the antibiotic-impregnated device was assumed as second-line treatment for both groups. Infection rates after catheter placement for considered alternatives were taken from published international meta-analyses (2.4% vs. 8.7% for treatment and control groups, respectively). Unitary costs were provided by internal resources (antibiotic-impregnated device) and by public bid results for base-case hospital (traditional catheter). Considered time horizon was <1 year, thus no annual discount rate for costs was necessary. Inflation-adjusted DRGs from IMSS´s high specialty hospitals were used as hospitalization (catheter placement) and catheter replacement costs. Results are shown in 2015-adjusted USD. Due to low reinfection rates documented in literature, posterior infections and mortality were not considered. The total cost of the catheter with antibiotic strategy resulted in $1,610,600, while the non-antibiotic catheter strategy in $1,542,200, resulting in additional $684 per patient treated with the antibiotic-impregnated device and $11,400 per avoided infection. The use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters appears to be a cost-effective alternative to treat hydrocephalus in pediatric patients in the Mexican setting. Local high-specialty hospitals should consider the adoption of this alternative as it yields less infections in target population.

Antibiotic-impregnated catheters reduce ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection rate in high-risk newborns and infants.

The incidence of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection accounts for about 5-15%, but it can rise up to 70% in specific high-risk subgroups. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) have been designed to reduce shunt infections, but reports on their efficacy are discordant, especially in young children. The aim of this study is to assess, for the first time, the efficacy of AICs in newborns and infants at very high risk for shunt infection. We reviewed the medical records of newborns and infants treated with a VP shunt for newly diagnosed hydrocephalus. Patients were divided in two groups: Group A was composed by children who received AICs, whereas Group B included children implanted with standard silicone catheters (non-AICs). We compared the shunt infection rate in both groups, and analyzed differences in specific high-risk subgroups (preterm newborns, children with posthemorrhagic or postinfective hydrocephalus, and children with a previous external ventricular drainage). Forty eight children younger than 1 year old were included in our study. Twenty two patients were implanted with an AIC, whereas 26 patients received a standard silicone catheter. The follow-up was at least 1 year (mean 8 ± 3 years). The overall infection rate decreased from 34% in non-AIC group to 9 % in the AIC group. Moreover, AICs showed to have a protective effect against shunt infections in all the specific high-risk subgroups analyzed. This study demonstrates for the first time that AICs are effective in reducing VP shunt infection in high-risk pediatric patients younger than 1 year old.

Antimicrobial-impregnated and -coated shunt catheters for prevention of infections in patients with hydrocephalus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial-impregnated and -coated shunt catheters (antimicrobial catheters) in reducing the risk of infection in patients undergoing CSF shunting or ventricular drainage. METHODS The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Catheter implantation was classified as either shunting (mainly ventriculoperitoneal shunting) or ventricular drainage (mainly external [EVD]). Studies evaluating antibioticimpregnated catheters (AICs), silver-coated catheters (SCCs), and hydrogel-coated catheters (HCCs) were included. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS Thirty-six studies (7 randomized and 29 nonrandomized, 16,796 procedures) were included. The majority of data derive from studies on the effectiveness of AICs, followed by studies on the effectiveness of SCCs. Statistical heterogeneity was observed in several analyses. Antimicrobial shunt catheters (AICs, SCCs) were associated with lower risk for CSF catheter-associated infections than conventional catheters (CCs) (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.35-0.56). Fewer infections developed in the patients treated with antimicrobial catheters regardless of randomization, number of participating centers, funding, shunting or ventricular drainage, definition of infections, de novo implantation, and rate of infections in the study. There was no difference regarding gram-positive bacteria, all staphylococci, coagulase-negative streptococci, and Staphylococcus aureus, when analyzed separately. On the contrary, the risk for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA, RR 2.64, 95% CI 1.26-5.51), nonstaphylococcal (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.52), and gram-negative bacterial (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.33-3.43) infections increased with antimicrobial shunt catheters. CONCLUSIONS Based on data mainly from nonrandomized studies, AICs and SCCs reduce the risk for infection in patients undergoing CSF shunting. Future studies should evaluate the higher risk for MRSA and gram-negative infections. Additional trials are needed to investigate the comparative effectiveness of the different types of antimicrobial catheters.

Cost-consequence analysis of antibiotic-impregnated shunts and external ventricular drains in hydrocephalus.

Despite multiple preventive strategies for reducing infection, up to 15% of patients with shunt catheters and 27% of patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs) may develop an infection. There are few data on the cost-effectiveness of measures to prevent hydrocephalus catheter infection from the hospital perspective. The objective of this study was to perform a cost-consequence analysis to assess the potential clinical and economic value of antibiotic-impregnated catheter (AIC) shunts and EVDs compared with non-AIC shunts and EVDs in the treatment of hydrocephalus from a hospital perspective. The authors used decision analytical techniques to assess the clinical and economic consequences of using antibiotic-impregnated shunts and EVDs from a hospital perspective. Model inputs were derived from the published, peer-reviewed literature. Clinical studies comparing infection rates and the clinical and economic impact of infections associated with the use of AICs and standard catheters (non-AICs) were evaluated. Outcomes assessed included infections, deaths due to infection, surgeries due to infection, and cost associated with shunt- and EVD-related infection. A subanalysis using only AIC shunt and EVD Level I evidence (randomized controlled trial results) was conducted as an alternate to the cumulative analysis of all of the AIC versus non-AIC studies (13 of the 14 shunt studies and 4 of the 6 EVD studies identified were observational). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine how changes in the values of uncertain parameters affected the results of the model. In 100 patients requiring shunts, AICs may be associated with 0.5 fewer deaths, 71 fewer hospital days, 11 fewer surgeries, and $128,228 of net savings in hospital costs due to decreased infection. Results of the subanalysis showed that AICs may be associated with 1.9 fewer deaths, 1611 fewer hospital days, 25 fewer surgeries, and $346,616 of net savings in hospital costs due to decreased infection. The rate of decrease in infection with AIC shunts was shown to have the greatest impact on the cost savings realized with use of AIC shunts. In 100 patients requiring EVDs, AICs may be associated with 2.7 fewer deaths and 82 fewer hospital days due to infection. The relative risk of more severe neurological impairment was estimated to be 5.33 times greater with EVD infection. Decreases in infection with AIC EVDs resulted in an estimated $264,069 of net savings per 100 patients treated with AICs. Results of the subanalysis showed that AIC EVDs may be associated with 1.0 fewer deaths, 31 infection-related hospital days averted, and $74,631 saved per 100 patients treated with AIC EVDs. As was seen with AIC shunts, the rate of decrease in infection with AIC EVDs was shown to have the greatest impact on the cost savings realized with use of AIC EVDs. The current value analysis demonstrates that evidence supports the use of AICs as effective and potentially cost-saving treatment.

Impact of antibiotic-impregnated catheters on the reduction in operations for cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection since 1995: evidence from the UK Shunt Registry

Various methods have been introduced to reduce CSF shunt infection including institutional protocols, antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic-impregnated catheters. Have such measures led to a sustainable reduction in CSF shunt infections?

Five-Lumen Antibiotic-Impregnated Femoral Central Venous Catheters in Severely Burned Patients: An Investigation of Device Utility and Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Rates.

The objective of this study is to determine the catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate in a severely burned patient population, many of whom required prolonged use of central venous catheters (CVCs). Between January 2008 and June 2012, 151 patients underwent placement of 455 five-lumen minocycline/rifampin-impregnated CVCs. CRBSI was defined as at least one blood culture (>100,000 colonies) and one simultaneous roll-plate CVC tip culture (>15 colony forming units) positive for the same organism. Most patients had accidental burns (81.5%) with a mean TBSA of 50%. A mean of three catheters were inserted per patient (range, 1-25). CVCs were inserted in the femoral vein (91.2%), subclavian vein (5.3%), and internal jugular vein (3.3%). Mean overall catheter indwell time was 8 days (range, 0-39 days). The overall rate of CRBSI per 1000 catheter days was 11.2; patients with a TBSA >60% experienced significantly higher rates of CRBSI than patients with a TBSA ≤60% (16.2 vs 7.3, P = .01). CVCs placed through burned skin were four times more likely to be associated with CRBSI than CVCs placed through intact skin. The most common infectious organism was Acinetobacter baumannii. Deep venous thrombosis developed in eleven patients (7%). The overall rate of CRBSI was 11.2, consistent with published rates of CRBSI in burn patients. Thus, femoral placement of 5-lumen CVCs did not result in increased CRBSI rates. These data support the safety of femoral CVC placement in burn patients, contrary to the Centers for Disease Control recommendation to avoid femoral CVC insertion.

Prevention and Management of Extraventricular Drain-Related Ventriculitis

Ventriculitis after extraventricular drain (EVD) placement causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review is focused on the prevention and management of EVD-related ventriculitis. To prevent EVD-related ventriculitis, standardized EVD care, including sterile handling and strict infection control performances, and repeated education for healthcare workers are essential. Routine change of EVD is controversial. It can be considered when EVD is needed for more than 7 days. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 24 hours is not recommended, except for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Antibiotic-impregnated EVD catheter seems to reduce the incidence of EVD-related ventriculitis. CSF sampling for early detection of EVD-related ventriculitis can be considered 4 to 5 days after EVD insertion. Linezolid can be used for treating ventriculitis caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms. Treatment options for extensively drug-resistant or pandrug resistant Gram-negative bacilli are scarce. Intraventricular colistin or aminoglycoside can be considered for those conditions. J Neurocrit Care 2014;7(2):97-103

Prevention and Management of Extraventricular Drain-Related Ventriculitis

Ventriculitis after extraventricular drain (EVD) placement causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review is focused on the prevention and management of EVD-related ventriculitis. To prevent EVD-related ventriculitis, standardized EVD care, including sterile handling and strict infection control performances, and repeated education for healthcare workers are essential. Routine change of EVD is controversial. It can be considered when EVD is needed for more than 7 days. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 24 hours is not recommended, except for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Antibiotic-impregnated EVD catheter seems to reduce the incidence of EVD-related ventriculitis. CSF sampling for early detection of EVD-related ventriculitis can be considered 4 to 5 days after EVD insertion. Linezolid can be used for treating ventriculitis caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms. Treatment options for extensively drug-resistant or pandrug resistant Gram-negative bacilli are scarce. Intraventricular colistin or aminoglycoside can be considered for those conditions. Key Words: Cerebral ventriculitis; Ventriculostomy; Cerebrospinal fluid

Comparative effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters in the treatment of adult and pediatric hydrocephalus: analysis of 12,589 consecutive cases from 287 US hospital systems

The real-world effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters to reduce the incidence of shunt infections is still debated. The literature to date consists mostly of small, single-institution studies. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of infection for antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) versus standard shunt catheters in a large nationwide administrative database. The authors retrospectively reviewed hospital discharge and billing records from the Premier Perspective Database from April 2003 to July 2009 to identify all adult and pediatric patients undergoing de novo ventricular shunt placement. The primary end point was the incidence of shunt infection within 1 year of implantation. Multivariate logistical regression was performed to determine factors associated with increased incidence of infection. A total of 10,819 adult (AIC, 963; standard catheter, 9856) and 1770 pediatric (AIC, 229; standard catheter, 1541) patients underwent ventricular shunt placement in 287 US hospitals. Overall, the incidence of infection was 3.5% in adults (n=380) and 6.6% in pediatric patients (n=116). AICs were associated with significant reduction in infection for both adult (2.2% vs 3.6%, p=0.02) and pediatric (2.6% vs 7.1%, p<0.01) patients. AIC use was associated with reduced infection regardless of hospital size, annual shunt volume, hospital location, or patient risk factors and remained associated with a reduced infection in multivariate analysis for both adult (p=0.02) and pediatric (p=0.02) patients. The use of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters was associated with a reduction in shunt infections for both adult and pediatric patients. This provides further support that AICs may represent a reliable means of reducing shunt infections for both adult and pediatric patients.

The Clinical and Economic Value of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters (AISC) in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus.

The Clinical and Economic Value of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters (AISC) in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus.

Microbiology and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in children.

Infections of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts remain a common surgical complication causing significant morbidity in children with hydrocephalus. As most of the literature regarding these infections includes only small cohorts from a single institution's experience, there remain large knowledge gaps and little support for the prevailing management strategies. Regarding the microbiology of shunt infections, little has changed in the past 10years, other than the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains of coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) and Staphylococcus aureus, which remain the two predominant etiologic agents. Molecular diagnostics such as multiplex PCR have been used to identify the complex microflora of shunt infections and in the future could prove a useful adjunct for early diagnosis and targeting of antimicrobial therapy. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters for use in external ventricular drains and CSF shunts have been adopted into clinical practice and appear to reduce the risk of shunt infection by susceptible organisms.

Heparin-bonded catheters for prolonging the patency of central venous catheters in children

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mainstay in the management of critically ill children. However, these catheters are associated with mechanical and infectious complications which reduce their life span. Heparin bonding of catheters has shown promise in animal studies and in adults. This is the first update of a review published in 2007. The primary objective was to determine the effect of heparin-bonded CVCs on the duration of catheter patency in children. Secondary objectives were to determine the effects of heparin-bonded catheters on catheter-related thrombosis, occlusion, blood stream infection and side effects. For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched August 2013) and CENTRAL (2013, Issue 7). The authors searched MEDLINE (1946 to week 3 August 2013). We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of heparin-bonded catheters versus non-heparin bonded catheters or antibiotic-impregnated catheters that reported on any of the prespecified outcomes, without language restriction. We assessed the methodological quality of the trials using the information provided in the studies and by contacting authors. We extracted data and estimated the effect size reported as risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) or number needed to treat (NNT), as appropriate. We included two eligible studies with a total of 287 participants; both had good methodological quality. There was no difference in the duration of catheter patency between heparin-bonded and non-heparin bonded catheters (median duration seven days versus six days) reported in one study. There was no difference in the risk of catheter-related thrombosis (two studies, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.68; I(2) = 80%; RD -0.06, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.06). Data from one study revealed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of catheter occlusion (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.07; RD -0.08, 95% CI -0.13 to -0.02; NNT 13, 95% CI 8 to 50), catheter-related blood stream infections (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.41; RD -0.17, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.10; NNT 6, 95% CI 4 to 10) and catheter colonization (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.71; RD -0.11, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.04; NNT 9, 95% CI 5 to 25) in the heparin-bonded catheter group. The second study did not report on these outcomes. There was no significant difference in risk of thrombocytopenia after catheter placement (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.39; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.07). Two eligible studies on the use of heparin-bonded catheters versus placebo in children were identified. Meta-analysis of the two studies revealed no reduction in catheter-related thrombosis with heparin-bonded catheters. One study reported a reduction in catheter-related blood stream infection and colonization following the use of heparin-bonded catheters. The strength of evidence is low and further well-designed multicenter randomized controlled trials are warranted.

The impact of antibiotic-impregnated catheters on ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections remain an important problem and result mainlyfrom perioperative colonization of shunt components by skin flora. Antibiotic-impregnated shunts have been designed to prevent such colonization. T'his study evaluates the incidence of shunt infection after the insertion of antibiotic-impregnated shunts in a population of children with hydrocephalus. All pediatric patients who had undergone cerebrospinal fluid shunt insertion retrospectively were reviewed over a 6-year period between May 2004 and December 2010. The primary outcome measure was the rate of shunt infections. Patients were followed up with for an average of 26.2 months after shunt surgery, and shunt infections were evaluated. A total of 123 pediatric patients underwent 211 shunt placement procedures. Of these operations, 193 (91%) were performed with nonimpregnated catheters and 18 shunts (9%) were placed with antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters. Of the patients with nonimpregnated catheters, 12 (6%) experienced shunt infection, whereas none of the patients with antibiotic-impregnated catheters experienced shunt infection within the 26.2-month follow-up period (P < 0.01). The antibiotic-impregnated catheters significantly reduced the incidence of shunt infection in children with hydrocephalus during the postoperative period. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters are effective devices to prevent perioperative colonization of shunt components.

Ventriculostomy-Associated Infection: A New, Standardized Reporting Definition and Institutional Experience

Shortcomings created by the lack of both a uniform definition of ventriculostomy-associated infection (VAI) and reporting standards have led to widely ranging infections rates (2-24%) whose significance is uncertain. We propose a standardized definition of VAI and a consistent reporting format compliant with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for device-related infections. Using those parameters to establish an infection-control surveillance program, we report our 4-year institutional VAI rates. In this prospective study covering ventriculostomy utilization (October 2006-December 2010), 498 patients had a total of 4,673 ventriculostomy days. By review of the literature and our institutional analysis, we defined VAI as a positive CSF culture in a patient with ventriculostomy catheter, plus one or more of the following (1) fever recorded >101.5 °F or (2) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose level, either <50 mg/dL or <50% of a serum glucose level drawn within 24 h of the CSF glucose. In a report format that is CDC compliant, rates of VAI are reported. Among our patients, the CDC-compliant infection rate was 2.14 per 1,000 ventriculostomy days. Of the 10 VAIs occurring in 498 patients during 4,673 ventriculostomy days, this 2.0% infection rate was lower than the previously reported 8.8% composite rates of VAI. Average duration of ventriculostomy was 9.4 days. Neither antibiotic-impregnated catheters nor periprocedural or prophylactic antibiotics were used. Our standardized VAI definition and CDC format seems promising toward facilitating future study and guideline development. Given our strict protocol of sterile catheter placement and care, and our institution's low 2.0% infection rates, we propose an infection-rate target of ≤5 per 1,000 device days. Our results suggest that the use of antibiotics or antibiotic-impregnated catheters is unwarranted--a positive given concerns of evolving anti-microbial resistance.

Effect of introduction of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters on cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection in children: a large single-center retrospective study

Infection after both primary and revision shunt surgeries remains a major problem in pediatric neurosurgical practice. Antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) tubing has been proposed to reduce infection rates. The authors report their experience with AIS catheters in their large pediatric neurosurgery department. The authors conducted a retrospective case review of consecutive shunt operations performed before (1993-2003) and after (2005-2009) introduction of AIS tubing, with analysis of shunt infection rates and causative organisms identified. The historical control group consisted of 1592 consecutive shunt operations (657 primary insertions), and the AIS study group consisted of 500 consecutive shunt operations (184 primary insertions). Patients ranged in age from 0-17 years. In the historical group, 135 infections were identified (8.4%). In the AIS study group, 25 infections were identified (5%), representing a significant reduction (p < 0.005). The latency to diagnosis of infection was 23 days in the historical group and 139 days in the AIS study group. The infection rates in infants 0-6 months of age were 12.2% (historical group) and 6.7% (AIS group, p < 0.005), and in infants 7-12 months of age the rates were 7.9% (historical group) and 2.7% (AIS group, p < 0.005). In the historical control group, the frequency rank order of causative organisms was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (51.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (31.6%), streptococcus or enterococcus spp. (8.8%), gram-negative organisms (4.4%), and Propionibacterium acnes (2.2%). Organisms responsible for infections in AIS were S. aureus (40%), followed by streptococcus or enterococcus spp. (20%), P. acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococcus (both 16%), and gram-negative organisms (4%). No unusually antibiotic-resistant bacteria were identified in either group. The authors further subdivided the AIS group into those undergoing primary AIS insertion (Subgroup 1), those undergoing revision of non-AIS systems using AIS components (Subgroup 2), and those undergoing revision of AIS systems using AIS components (Subgroup 3). Infection rates were 1.6% in Subgroup 1, 2.5% in Subgroup 2, and 11.7% in Subgroup 3. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism identified in infections of the Subgroups 2 and 3. Use of AIS tubing significantly improves shunt infection rates in both general pediatric and infant populations with no evidence of increased antibiotic resistance, which is in agreement with previous studies. However, the increased infection rate in revision surgery in children with AIS catheters in situ raises questions about their long-term application.

Infection and Hemodialysis Access: An Updated Review.

The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has almost doubled over past 2 decades. Despite decreasing overall hospital admission rates for ESRD population, the rate of infection-related hospitalizations has steadily increased. Infection remains the second most common cause of mortality in this patient population. Specifically, in the hemodialysis (HD) patients, the vascular access related infections are the most common identifiable source of infection. This concise review provides an update on the bacteremia related to vascular access primarily the catheters (Catheter Related Blood Stream Infection- CRBSI) in HD patients emphasizing on the determinants ranging from the epidemiology to pathogenesis, risk factors, cost implications and prevention. Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci, and Enterococci are the most common causative microorganisms implicated in CRBSI. The pathogenesis of CRBSI includes organism entry into the blood stream followed by adherence to catheter, colonization and biofilm formation. Vascular access type, catheter position, and prior bacteremic episodes are strongly associated with blood stream infection. Preventive measures should be multidisciplinary in nature and should include avoidance of central venous catheters, best practices for catheter care, surveillance, antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, and use of antibiotic impregnated catheters.

The history of external ventricular drainage

External ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures. It was first performed as early as 1744 by Claude-Nicholas Le Cat. Since then, there have been numerous changes in technique, materials used, indications for the procedure, and safety. The history of EVD is best appreciated in 4 eras of progress: development of the technique (1850-1908), technological advancements (1927-1950), expansion of indications (1960-1995), and accuracy, training, and infection control (1995-present). While EVD was first attempted in the 18th century, it was not until 1890 that the first thorough report of EVD technique and outcomes was published by William Williams Keen. He was followed by H. Tillmanns, who described the technique that would be used for many years. Following this, many improvements were made to the EVD apparatus itself, including the addition of manometry by Adson and Lillie in 1927, and continued experimentation in cannulation/drainage materials. Technological advancements allowed a great expansion of indications for EVD, sparked by Nils Lundberg, who published a thorough analysis of the use of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with brain tumors in 1960. This led to the application of EVD and ICP monitoring in subarachnoid hemorrhage, Reye syndrome, and traumatic brain injury. Recent research in EVD has focused on improving the overall safety of the procedure, which has included the development of guidance-based systems, virtual reality simulators for trainees, and antibiotic-impregnated catheters.

Antibiotic-Impregnated Versus Silver-Bearing External Ventricular Drainage Catheters: Preliminary Results in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Evaluation of antibiotic-impregnated (AI) and ionized silver particle coated external ventricular drainage catheters (EVD) in patients with subarachnoid (SAH) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Between February 2011 and June 2012, 40 patients with acute hydrocephalus due to SAH, ICH or intraventricular hemorrhage were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, mono-center pilot study. Primary endpoints were defined as: number of events of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infections. Secondary endpoints were defined as: neurosurgical complications following the placement of the EVD, number of revisions of EVD catheters, and cost effectiveness. Sixty-one EVD placements in 40 patients, 32 antibiotic-coated (Bactiseal(®)), 29 silver-bearing catheters (VentriGuard(®)), have been performed. Confirmed or high suspicion of CSF infections occurred in 11 out of 61 events (confirmed infection: p = 0.71, probable infection: p = 0.90). Revisions of EVD were needed in 13 cases (22 %) due to CSF infection, dysfunction, impaired healing, or malplacement (p = 0.37). Regarding CSF infection rate and dysfunction, no statistical significant differences between the two EVD catheters Bactiseal(®) versus VentriGuard(®) were found. The silver-bearing catheter might offer a safe and cost-conscious alternative to the AI catheter.