Correlates of external ventricular drain infection among neurosurgical critically ill patients

Background The risk factors for external ventricular drain (EVD) infection are still a major topic of controversy, hence the need for further research. EVD has a major role in monitoring and managing intracranial pressure. Aim To examine correlates of EVD infection among neurosurgical critically ill patients. Research question What are the correlates of EVD infection among neurosurgical critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? Design A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in the current study. Setting This study was conducted at one of the ICUs, at Manial University Hospital. Sample A purposeful sample consisting of 40 patients who underwent insertion of EVD was recruited. Tools (a) 1.1 Demographic and medical data form. 1.2 Microbiologic data, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid laboratory data. (b) Predisposing factors to EVD infection assessment checklist were utilized in data collection. Results The study findings revealed the dominance of males (60%), and 27.5% of them, whose age ranged between 51 and 60 years. EVDs placed in 55% of the studied sample for temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion indication, EVD duration was ranged between 3 and 15 days with a mean of 5.9, 87.5% of them did not change the EVD, and 75% used systemic antibiotics therapy. In addition, there is no significant relation between EVD infection and patient demographic data, but there is a significant relation between EVD infection and some risk factors (EVD duration, length of stay). Conclusion The current study concluded that external ventricular drain-related infection was associated with patient characteristics as well as EVD characteristics in critically ill patients who proceed with EVD and are hospitalized in ICUs. Recommendation Early EVD removal and patient discharge should be goals whenever medically appropriate.