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A single 5-year-old, white homing pigeon (Columba livia domestica) was submitted from a flock of 30 birds. The bird was bright alert and responsive upon presentation. One other bird was sick and two had died. The reported duration of illness was six months. Birds were noted to have a full crop but losing weight.

OBJECTIVE Studies on surgical site infection (SSI) in adult neurosurgery have presented all subtypes of SSIs as the general 'SSI'. Given that SSIs constitute a broad range of infections, we hypothesized that clinical outcomes and management vary based on SSI subtype. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all neurosurgical SSI from 2012-2019 was conducted at a tertiary care institution. SSI subtypes were categorized as deep and superficial incisional SSI, brain, dural or spinal abscesses, meningitis or ventriculitis, and osteomyelitis. RESULTS 9620 craniotomy, shunt, and fusion procedures were studied. 147 procedures (1.5%) resulted in postoperative SSI. 87 (59.2%) of these were associated with craniotomy, 36 (24.5%) with spinal fusion, and 24 (16.3%) with ventricular shunting. Compared with superficial incisional primary SSI, rates of reoperation to treat SSI were highest for deep incisional primary SSI (91.2% vs 38.9% for superficial, p

Purpose of review To review recent data on the epidemiology, microbiology, diagnosis, and management of central nervous system (CNS) infections associated with neurologic devices. Recent findings The increasing use of implanted neurologic devices has led to an increase in associated infections. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation may be present after a neurosurgical procedure, complicating the diagnosis of CNS infection. Newer biomarkers such as CSF lactate and procalcitonin show promise in differentiating infection from other causes of CSF inflammation. Molecular diagnostic tests including next-generation or metagenomic sequencing may be superior to culture in identifying pathogens causing healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis. Summary Neurologic device infections are serious, often life-threatening complications. Rapid recognition and initiation of antibiotics are critical in decreasing morbidity. Device removal is usually required for cure.

Intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy (ICV-ERT) for CLN2 disease represents the first approved treatment for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) diseases. It is the first treatment where a recombinant lysosomal enzyme, cerliponase alfa, is administered into the lateral cerebral ventricles to reach the central nervous system, the organ affected in CLN2 disease. If untreated, CLN2 children show first symptoms such as epilepsy and language developmental delay at 2-4 years followed by rapid loss of motor and language function, vision loss, and early death. Treatment with cerliponase alfa has shown to slow the rapid neurologic decline. However, the mode of administration by 4 hour-long intracerebroventricular infusions every 14 days represents a potentially greater risk of infection compared to intravenous enzyme replacement therapies. The Hamburg NCL Specialty Clinic was the first site worldwide to perform intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy in children with CLN2 disease. In order to ensure maximum patient safety, we analysed data from our center from more than 3000 intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapies in 48 patients over 6 years with regard to the occurrence of device-related adverse events and device infections. Since starting intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy, we have also developed and continuously improved the “Hamburg Best Practice Guidelines for ICV–Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) in CLN2 Disease.” Results from this study showed low rates for device-related adverse events and infections with 0.27% and 0.33%, respectively. Therefore, following our internal procedural guidelines has shown to improve standardization and patient safety of intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease.

BackgroundLateral ventricular lesions associated with hydrocephalus are considered a challenge to neurosurgeons. Hydrocephalus after surgery of such lesions and its pathogenesis and how to deal with it is a big question facing neurosurgeons.ObjectivesIn this study, we tried to discuss the pathogenesis and different forms of presentation of hydrocephalus in lateral ventricular lesions and how to deal with it.MethodsEleven patients with lateral ventricular lesions associated with hydrocephalus either preoperative or postoperative presenting to our hospital were managed by excision of the lesion. A prospective study was done for these cases including their clinical data, radiological data, the presence, or absence of hydrocephalus either preoperative or postoperative and how we managed it.ResultsThis study included 11 cases. The mean patient age at surgery was 25 years old. Nine cases were presented with radiological signs of hydrocephalus preoperatively. Two cases developed new onset hydrocephalus after lesion excision. Six cases ended with permanent CSF diversion.ConclusionManagement of cases with lateral ventricular lesions does not stand on only excision of the lesion. Hydrocephalus should be kept into consideration perioperatively. We should try to avoid events that could lead to ventriculitis. Prolonged follow-up of the patients postoperative is very important as hydrocephalus may develop later after surgery.

The central nervous system (CNS) may be infected by a number of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Non-infectious causes such as autoimmune and vascular conditions may present with similar clinical syndromes necessitating the appropriate laboratory requests and good diagnostics. CNS infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, often requiring surgical intervention and admission to neurointensive care units. Common infection diagnoses seen in the neurointensive care unit include meningitis, ventriculitis, encephalitis and abscesses, including brain and spine. New and emerging pathogens in ITU settings include Candida auris and multi-resistant Gram negative bacteria, which are easily transmissible and may threaten the antimicrobial choices available for patients.

The implantation of a subgaleal reservoir (ICV port) in order to apply intracerebroventricular (ICV) chemotherapy in patients with leptomeningeal cancer may be complicated by misplacement of the device, pericatheter leucencephalopathy, hemorrhage and iatrogenic ventriculitis/meningitis. Here we analyzed the occurrence of such complications in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) treated with systemic and ICV methotrexate (MTX)- and cytarabine (AraC)-based chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 94 consecutive patients (1247 installations), who had received an ICV port for intraventricular chemotherapy for treatment of histologically confirmed PCNSL at our institution between September 2005 and October 2018. Infectious and non-infectious complications were systematically recorded including clinical, laboratory and imaging data. In nine/94 patients (9.6%) a misplacement of the ICV port seen on the postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was corrected immediately and chemotherapy was then continued as planned. In five/94 patients (5.3%) symptomatic non-infectious complications were observed (four patients with symptomatic pericatheter leucencephalopathy, one patient with surgical scar dehiscence with CSF leak). In eight/94 patients (8.5%) asymptomatic white matter lesions around the catheter were visible on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after completion of therapy. The rate of infectious complications was six/94 patients (6.4%). No complication was lethal or required intensive care monitoring. This retrospective study shows that complications of ICV treatment have to be expected in a fraction of patients, however, in this series these complications were manageable and did not result in long-term deficits. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Tectocerebellar dysraphia (TCD) is a rare sporadic malformation associated with severe neurodevelopmental morbidity and high infant mortality. The presence of other ciliopathies worsens the prognosis. Joubert syndrome (JS) is a ciliopathy associated with gene mutations, consisting of midbrain and cerebellum malformations, markedly lack fiber decussation at the level of the pontomesencephalic junction. We report the case of a child who was born term with occipital encephalocele (OE), diagnosed with TCD and JS spectrum through computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), diffuse tensor imaging (DTI), and clinical findings. She had the OE surgically corrected after spontaneous rupture on the second day after delivery. She developed postoperative ventriculitis, meningitis, and hydrocephalus, successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and cysto-ventriculostomy, cysto-cisternostomy, third ventriculostomy, and choroid plexus coagulation. G-band karyotyping showed 47, XXX, in all analyzed cells (trisomy X). The infant was followed up for 18 months, presenting, so far, a relatively good outcome. This is the first case reported in the literature of the association of TCD/OE/JS spectrum (JSS) with trisomy X (XXX).

We report here a rare case of adult-onset multiloculated hydrocephalus (MLH) after Cryptococcal meningitis. A 63-year-old man had Cryptococcal ventriculitis in 2011, and he recovered with treatment of antimycotic drugs. However, he was admitted again because of disorientation and amnesia, and brain MRI showed dilation of the inferior horn of the left lateral ventricle. He underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) for noncommunicating hydrocephalus in 2019, and the disorientation and amnesia improved. One year after the VPS, he was admitted because of urinary dysfunction and gait disturbance. Brain MRI showed dilation of the bilateral anterior horns of the lateral ventricles. He underwent an additional VPS into the space in 2020, and urinary dysfunction and gait disturbance improved. This case was supposed that the symptom in agreement with the dilated ventricle by MLH was shown.

BACKGROUND Pyogenic ventriculitis caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is one of the most severe complications associated with craniotomy. However, limited therapeutic options exist for the treatment of A. baumannii ventriculitis due to the poor penetration rate of most antibiotics through the blood-brain barrier. CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old male patient with severe traumatic brain injury developed pyogenic ventriculitis on postoperative day 24 caused by extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii susceptible to tigecycline only. Successful treatment was accomplished through multi-route administration of tigecycline, including intravenous combined with continuous ventricular irrigation plus intraventricular administration. The pus was cleared on the 3rd day post-irrigation, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were negative after 12 d. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that multi-route administration of tigecycline can be a therapeutic option against pyogenic ventriculitis caused by extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii.

Background: Candida meningitis/ventriculitis is rather rare during childhood. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of patients with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis.Methods: Patients under the age of 18 years who were diagnosed with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis were evaluated retrospectively.Results: A total of 10 cases with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis were analyzed. Three patients (30%) were below the age of one, and two (20%) were neonates. The two most common underlying conditions were hydrocephalus shunt and prematurity. Predisposing factors were a history of broad-spectrum antibiotic use, external ventricular drainage, total parenteral nutrition, central venous catheter, and staying in intensive care. The cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive in all patients, and 10% (1/1) had bacteremia. Of the isolates, 50% were C. albicans, 30% were C. tropicalis, 10% were C. lusitaniae, and 10% were C. dubliniensis. Fluconazole treatment was initiated in four (40%) and voriconazole in three (30%) patients. Two patients received combined treatment (amphotericin B + fluconazole/voriconazole). The median treatment duration was 38.6 days (range: 16–70 days). Three patients received intraventricular Amphotericin B.Central nervous system devices which were assumed to be infected were removed. A complication of endophthalmitis developed in one patient. The mortality rate was 10%.Conclusions: Among agents causing meningitis/ventriculitis, Candida should also be kept in mind in premature neonates and patients with ventricular-peritoneal shunts. The history of antibiotic use and external ventricular drainage are important predisposing factors. It can be successfully treated with fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and removal of the central nervous system device.

Introduction: Healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis occur after neurosurgical procedures, is associated with an adverse outcome in the majority of patients and represent a diagnostic c...

An autopsy case of acute actinomycotic brain abscess involving a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reported. The patient was a 72-year-old man with a seven-year history of RA and pulmonary complications, who acutely developed dysarthria and dysphagia three days before death. Autopsy revealed a fresh, non-encapsulated abscess in the "late cerebritis" stage, measuring 2 cm in diameter, in the white matter of the right parietal lobe. A small number of tiny "sulfur granules" consisting of numerous filamentous bacilli were found within the abscess. The abscess had ruptured to the lateral ventricle and elicited ventriculitis, and mild acute purulent leptomeningitis was also observed. The lung showed chronic interstitial pneumonia/pulmonary fibrosis with bronchiectasis and emphysema, and large sulfur granules were found in the lumens of a few bronchi. Less than 5% of patients with actinomycotic infection develop central nervous system lesions, and actinomycotic brain abscesses make up only 0.6% of all brain abscesses. Actinomycotic brain abscesses usually pursue a protracted clinical course, and well-formed pyogenic membranes are commonly observed. The present case is exceptional in that the very early stage of the cerebral abscess formation was pathologically captured.

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is widely used worldwide. Intracranial manifestation as an adverse event of BCG is extremely rare. A previously healthy 16-month-old boy was referred to our hospital for eye contact difficulties and progressive gait disturbance lasting two months. He was inoculated with BCG at seven months of age. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hydrocephalus with widespread and disseminated enhancement lesions with thickening of the third ventricle floor, and brain tissue pathologically showed non-caseous granulomatous inflammation. Immunosuppressive therapies were initiated because of a provisional diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. Three months later, a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was obtained. Eventually, M. bovis (BCG Tokyo 172 strain) was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and shunt tube culture. The prolonged use of antituberculosis drugs and multiple shunt replacement surgeries were needed for recovery. There was no evidence of immunodeficiency. Unfortunately, he had severe neurological sequelae of bilateral blindness and neurodevelopmental delay. Our purpose in this report was to highlight the potential for intracranial manifestations of adverse reactions related to BCG vaccination. We propose that the CSF PCR assay of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex should be applied repeatedly in children suspected of intractable neurosarcoidosis, with a history of BCG vaccination.

The non-homogenous flow of the cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricular catheter is one of the causative factors in shunt obstructions during the treatment of hydrocephalus. Previously, we studied the flow in ventricular catheters under the steady and pulsatile boundary conditions by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in three-dimensional paradigms. Subsequently, several catheter designs with homogeneous flow patterns were developed out of which one prototype was chosen after a validation study. To test the effectiveness of the flow ventricular catheter in a prospective, multicenter, comparative study. Eligible centers were three pediatric hospitals: two with sole adult practice and one a mixed pediatric-adult. Standard silicone material was used to develop a parametric catheter model with homogenous flow characteristics. The flow catheters were inserted in pediatric (n = 30) and adult (n = 10) patients with all types of hydrocephalus. Simultaneously, regular ventricular catheters were inserted in another 43 control patients in the participating centers. Catheter positioning was standardized according to the Schaumann and Thomale classification. All ventricular catheters had a cephalad grade I or II positioning, and caudally, its extension had a peritoneal location. Programmable valves were utilized in 70% and antisiphon devices in 20% of the cases. Regular differential pressure valves were utilized in the remaining. No case of flow catheter obstruction was identified during a mean follow-up period of 2 years at the time of this writing. There were four catheter obstructions in the control cohort, all pediatric cases, during the first year. Shunt infections occurred in two cases in the control group, while there was one recurrent case of adult ventriculitis in the flow catheter group. This prototype model represents the next generation of ventricular catheters with a homogeneous flow pattern. The flow catheter can be inserted safely in hydrocephalic patients, and this preliminary prospective comparative study showed a possible obstruction-free functionality.

Introducción: El surgimiento de bacterias Gram negativas multirresistentes y la aparición de infecciones post quirúrgicas, ha representado un desafío en el manejo antimicrobiano. Las características estructurales de estas bacterias, la formación de biofilms en los dispositivos internos y la presencia de infecciones en órganos de difícil acceso antimicrobiano como el sistema nervioso central, ha obligado a retomar el uso de antibióticos como Colistina por vías de administración poco utilizadas. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de 2 años de edad con meningo-ventriculitis postquirúrgica causada por Pseudomonas aeruginosa multirresistente manejado con tratamiento combinado de Colistina intraventricular e intravenoso, resultando en éxito terapéutico para el paciente. No se reportó ninguna reacción adversa a la medicación local ni sistémica. Tampoco se reportó recaídas infecciosas posterior al alta. Conclusiones: Los aspectos claves en el manejo de este tipo de infecciones deben ser consideradas: eliminación de la derivación ventrículo peritoneal infectada, óptima cobertura antimicrobiana y elección de la vía de administración más efectiva.

The aim of the study: to analyze the pathogenetic structure of ventriculitis, their relationship with age, risk factors, study the etiological characteristics, clinical and diagnostic features, evaluate outcomes of ventriculitis and features of mortality.Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of inpatient medical charts of 72 children with ventriculitis received treatment in the neurosurgery department of Filatov Children hospital №5, St-Petersburg, from January 2008 to December 2017 was carried out.Results: Most cases of ventriculitis occurred in infants (up to 1 year) and young children (1-3 years old). The largest group among pathogenetic variants of ventriculitis was shunt infection – 50 (69.44%) cases. Other groups were: ventriculostomy-associated ventriculitis – 12 (16,67%) cases; ventriculitis following a neurosurgical procedure without external ventricular drainage – 6 (8,33%) cases; ventriculitis complicated meningitis in patients without prior neurosurgery – 4 (5,56%) cases. The presence of such risk factors for ventriculitis as cerebrospinal fluid leakage (18,06%), intraventricular blood prior to the development of ventriculitis (22,22%), and other systemic infections (59,72%) were noted. The crucial role in the diagnosis of ventriculitis is played by the inflammatory changes in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid on the background of specific clinical findings and indicative anamnesis. The commonest organism causing ventriculitis in the study was Staphylococcus epidermidis – 24 (33,33%) patients. Ventriculitis mortality rate was 8,33% (6 cases). Analysis of adverse outcomes revealed that aggressive health-care-associated multidrug resistant organisms are more dangerous for life, especially in patients with severe central nervous system pathology prior to ventriculitis.

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a common technique employed to treat the second most common congenital brain malformation, “hydrocephalus.” Postshunt insertion, the consequent complications and factors contributing to shunt malfunction are much fought occurrences. The current study was planned to assess the effectiveness of the procedure, analyze the complications of VP shunt, and recognize the factors influencing shunt malfunction. Materials and Methods The present study was a retrospective observational study, which was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER RML Hospital, New Delhi, from August 2016 to July 2018. Patients with hydrocephalus requiring shunt intervention were included in the study. A Chhabra “slit n spring” hydrocephalus shunt system was inserted in all patients. All patients with VP shunts were followed to assess for any postshunt complications. Results Out of 541 patients for whom VP shunt was inserted over a period of 2 years, 126 (23.3%) patients developed complications. The most common cause of hydrocephalus for which VP shunt was done was tubercular meningitis (39.3%, n = 63), followed by ventriculitis (12.38%, n = 20), congenital hydrocephalus (8.87%, n = 14) and aqueductal stenosis (5.54%, n = 03). The most common complication in our study was obstruction of proximal end of the catheter by debris, which was noted in 50 patients (39.68%). The second most common complication was poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end (21.43%, n = 27 cases). Abscess along the shunt was seen in 21 patients (16.67%). Complications were mostly documented in cases with hydrocephalus due to tubercular meningitis (TBM) (39.3%, 63 patients) and ventriculitis (12.38%, 20 patients). Other complications were hyperemia with superficial ulceration or complete exposure of skin overlying the tube (11.9%, n = 15), overdrainage of the ventricles leading to chronic subdural hematoma (n = 14, 11.11%), and infection around the distal catheter (4.76%, n = 6). Conclusion VPS procedure led to a complication in several patients, with the most common being obstruction of proximal catheter and poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end followed by abscess and infection.

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been recognized to cause an invasive syndrome characterized by liver abscess and its metastatic infection. The characteristics of metastatic infection involving the central nervous system in this invasive syndrome are poorly understood. The authors report an 84-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus who developed liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae, complicated with ventriculitis. The patient died despite the antibiotic treatment. Ventriculitis is a rare CNS complication of K. pneumoniae invasive syndrome and requires prompt diagnosis for the appropriate treatment.

Healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis is a common complication in patients who suffer from head trauma or have undergone a neurosurgery. Healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Complications of healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis include persistent vegetative state, moderate and severe disability, and death. Acinetobacter baumannii is the causative pathogen in 3.6-11.2% of cases of healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis. Cases of difficult-to-treat healthcare-associated A. baumannii ventriculitis and meningitis are being reported more frequently. However, in most of these cases, a combination of intravenous (IV) and intraventricular (IVT)/intrathecal colistin achieves good therapeutic outcome. This report describes a clinical case of difficult-to-treat healthcare-associated A. baumannii ventriculitis. The A. baumannii strain was sensitive to colistin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, intermediate to tigecycline, and resistant to other antibiotics. While colistin was the drug of choice in our case, the patient developed anaphylactoid reaction during the IV administration of the loading dose of colistin, which mandated us to discontinue colistin and complicated the treatment of our patient. The patient did not respond to a combination of IV antibiotics that included meropenem, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tigecycline. However, when IVT tigecycline was added as a last-resort therapeutic option, the patient's ventriculitis dramatically improved, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. Physicians who treat patients with healthcare-associated A. baumannii ventriculitis might resort to IVT tigecycline when they run out of therapeutic options.

The purpose of the research : To investigate clinical and epidemiological features, clinical course and outcomes of pneumococcal meningoencephalitis in children, Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution and their compliance with antigenic composition of existing pneumococcal vaccines, as well as antimicrobial resistance of the pathogen. Research tasks: 1. To characterize the clinical features of pneumococcal meningitis; 2. To study the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with pneumococcal meningitis; 3. To detect the genotypes (ST-types) of S. pneumoniae strains. Materials and Methods: There were 17 patients aged 2-15 years with pneumococcal meningitis under the supervision. DNA isolation of S. pneumoniae was done by «AmpliSens DNA-sorb B» kits (InterLabServise, Russia). Multiplex PCR was used for serotype deduction. S. pneumoniae antimicrobial resistance was investigated by Etest (bioMerieux, France). Statistical analysis was conducted by Microsoft Excel, and included the determination of percentages, averages, and mean deviations. Results: Pneumococci can cause not only meningeal lesions itself, but brain substance damage; it results to secondary severe meningoencephalitis with complicated course (cerebral edema, cerebral coma, and ventriculitis). S. pneumoniae serotypes identified (14, 19F, 3, 7F, 6AB) are common, most often causing meningitis in children and adults. All these serotypes are vaccine-preventable. More than half of isolates revealed penicillin-resistance. Conclusion: Due to complete accordance of S. pneumoniae serotypes detected to those included in widely used 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV13), the vaccination should be considered as effective preventive measure. The features of pneumococcal sensitivity to antimicrobials must be considered when prescribing antibiotics.

Objective: To determine the incidence and the clinical, bacteriological and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics of neonatal meningitis in Lima hospitals. Materials and methods: An observational, multicenter study was conducted in six hospitals in the city of Lima during 1 year of epidemiological surveillance. Results: The cumulative hospital incidence was 1.4 cases per 1000 live births. A total of 53 cases of neonatal meningitis were included, 34% (18/53) were early and 66% (35/53) late. The associated maternal factors were meconium-stained amniotic fluid and urinary tract infection. Insufficient prenatal check-ups were found in 58.8% (30/51). The most associated neonatal factor was sepsis. The main symptoms were fever, irritability, hypoactivity and respiratory distress. Pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was significant, without predominance of polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMN), hypoglycorrhagia and proteinorrhagia. The most frequent pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Conclusions: The hospital incidence of neonatal meningitis was 1.4 per 1000 live births, being ten times higher in preterm infants. Breathing difficulty was the most frequent symptom in the early stage, while fever and irritability in the late stage. CSF showed pleocytosis without predominance of PMN. The most frequent germs were Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Ventriculitis and hydrocephalus were the most common neurological complications. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y las características clínicas, bacteriológicas y del líquido cefalorraquídeo de la meningitis neonatal en hospitales de Lima. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, multicéntrico en seis hospitales de la ciudad de Lima, con una vigilancia epidemiológica durante un año. Resultados: La incidencia acumulada hospitalaria fue de 1,4 casos por mil nacidos vivos. Fueron incluidos 53 casos de meningitis neonatal, 34% (18/53) fueron tempranos y 66% (35/53) tardíos. Los factores maternos asociados fueron líquido amniótico meconial e infección de tracto urinario. El 58,8% (30/51) presentó controles prenatales insuficientes. El factor neonatal más asociado fue sepsis. Los principales síntomas fueron fiebre, irritabilidad, hipoactividad y dificultad respiratoria. En el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) se destacó la pleocitosis, sin predominio de polimorfonucleares (PMN), hipoglucorraquia y proteinorraquia. Los patógenos aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron Escherichia coli y Listeria monocytogenes. Conclusiones: La incidencia hospitalaria de meningitis neonatal fue de 1,4 por mil nacidos vivos, siendo diez veces mayor en prematuros. La dificultad respiratoria fue el síntoma más frecuente en la forma temprana, mientras que la fiebre e irritabilidad en la forma tardía. El LCR mostró pleocitosis sin predominio de PMN. Los gérmenes más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli y Listeria monocytogenes. La ventriculitis e hidrocefalia fueron las complicaciones neurológicas más comunes.

Introduction Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical condition that is frequently complicated by acute hydrocephalus, necessitating emergency cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in a subset of patients, ultimately requiring long-term treatment via placement of permanent ventricular shunts. The present study aimed to determine factors associated with the need for permanent ventricular shunt placement in these patients. Methods A total of 309 consecutive patients who underwent emergent CSF diversion with external ventricular drain (EVD) as a treatment for ICH between July 2009 and July 2018 were studied retrospectively to assess the factors that might be correlated with shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus. A binary logistic regression model was designed to identify independent related factors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after ICH. Results Of 309 patients included in this study, 102 (33.00%) required permanent ventricular CSF shunting before discharge. In univariate analysis, age,ventriculitis, ICP elevation >30 mm Hg, ICH evacuation, the Graeb score, days of EVD in place, and CSF protein levels were significantly associated with the requirement for permanent CSF diversion (p < 0.05). The age and ICH evacuation were protective variables and the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt possibility was reduced by 22.6 and 63.5%, respectively. Conclusion Our results showed that higher Graeb score, ICP elevation >30 mm Hg, more days of EVD in place, and higher CSF protein levels were associated with permanent CSF diversion in these patients. Advanced age and ICH evacuation decreased the possibility of VP shunting in our study.These factors may help in predicting which patients will need permanent CSF diversion and could ultimately lead to improvements in the management of these patients.

Ventriculitis after meningitis is a serious complication in the neonatal age group. The role of intraventricular antibiotics in treatment is controversial. We present five such cases which were refractory to conventional intravenous antibiotic therapy, had persistent features of ventriculitis and in whom raised intracranial pressure (ICP) necessitated insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD). Three of the five infants required intraventricular antibiotics but also developed EVD-related complications. Early diagnosis of ventriculitis and treatment is necessary to avoid a fatal outcome. Intravenous antibiotics are the treatment of choice, but intraventricular therapy may be considered in refractory cases. As the incidence of EVD-associated ventriculitis is high, proper care of EVDs and their early removal is mandatory.

External ventricular drain (EVD) placement and management pose risks to neurocritically ill patients. Yet, little is known about EVD management or hospital EVD management practices and policies in US hospitals. A narrative review was conducted to describe EVD-related publications reported in PubMed and Embase between 1953 and 2019, and a survey was used to examine US hospital EVD practices and policies, including adherence to EVD guideline recommendations. Overall, 912 relevant articles were published between 1953 and 2019 (average 21; range, 0 to 102 articles, per year), primarily related to indications for EVD placement (n=275, 30.2%), EVD-associated complications (n=206, 22.6%), and EVD care (n=200, 21.9%). The number of EVD publications increased over time (R2=0.7), and most publications addressed EVD-associated infection (n=296, 73.4%) and EVD insertion (n=195, 45.2%). Survey responses were received from 30 hospitals (37.5% response rate), and reported use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in 80% of hospitals, preinsertion antibiotic administration in 70%, collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples for suspicion of ventriculitis in 73.3%, tracking of EVD-associated infection in 86.7%, routine EVD clamping during transport in 66.7%, and monitoring of intracranial pressure during transport in 33.3%. Adherence to hospital policies was high for recommendations related to flushing an EVD and changing cerebrospinal fluid drainage systems (100% [range, 0% to 100%] each), but low for intrahospital transportation (16.7% [0% to 83.3%]), EVD removal (0% [0% to 66.7%]), patient and family education (0% [0% to 100%]), and administration of intraventricular medication (0% [0% to 100%]). In summary, the published literature related to EVD insertion and maintenance, and reported EVD hospital practices and policies, primarily focus on reducing EVD-associated infections. Still, overall adherence of hospital EVD policies to guideline recommendations is modest. To promote a culture of EVD safety, clinicians should focus on reducing all EVD-associated adverse events.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of external ventricular drainage system on mortality, potential complications and management of complications. Materials and Methods: Data of 128 patients undergoing external ventricular drain placement procedure at XXX University Department of Neurosurgery between January 2016 and November 2018 were screened retrospectively. Age, sex, indication, level of consciousness at the time of admission, presence of systemic infection, and secondary complications of the patients were examined. The effects of external ventricular drainage on clinical outcome were evaluated. Results: A total of 176 ventriculostomies were performed in 128 patients during the study. There were 73 male and 55 female patients with an age range of 1-88 years. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale at admission was ≤7 in 64 patients. Ventriculitis developed in a total of 38 patients. Systemic infection and antibiotic use history were detected in eight patients at admission. Fifty-two patients died during the follow-up period. Conclusion: External ventricular drainage is a system applied to reduce intracranial pressure under emergency conditions and has positive effects on clinical survival rate. Infection is the most common and most mortal complication. The drainage should only be applied in cases where it is absolutely necessary and in accordance with certain protocols. Furthermore, ventriculostomy should be kept only for the required period of time, and patients should be followed closely considering the exponential increase in infection after five days.

Objective Ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) is associated with potential serious morbidity, extended hospitalization duration, increased health care costs, and mortality. We assessed the effectiveness of a pragmatic risk-stratification pathway for external ventricular drain (EVD) management, allowing for surgical decision making, in reducing the rate of VRIs. Methods Two studies were performed concurrently. A retrospective audit of EVD infection rates and outcomes in our unit across 3 hospitals was conducted from January to December 2014. The second prospective study compared the same variables during the implementation of the EVD pathway across the 3 sites from January 2015 to December 2016. Results The number of patients requiring EVDs increased from 2014 to 2016 (165 vs. 189 vs. 197 patients, respectively), with a significant increase in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (P = 0.009). Despite increasing risk, overall EVD infections decreased during the implementation period, from 4.8% (8/165) in 2014 to 3.7% in 2015 (7/189) and 2.0% in 2016 (4/197, P = 0.33). In 2 sites (site 1, 2.0% vs. 2.1% vs. 1.9%, and site 2, 4.7% vs. 5.0% vs. 5.3%), transition to the EVD risk-stratification pathway maintained already low infection rates; in site 3, EVD infections decreased from 6.8% (5/73) to 3.9% (4/102) and 0% (0/86, P = 0.06). Conclusions The introduction of a pragmatic evidence-based risk-stratification pathway, in which different options for EVD management are incorporated, results in low EVD infection rates across a multisite institutional practice. Our results are comparable to published protocols involving the implementation of standard care bundles and/or antibacterial EVDs alone, in reducing VRIs.