Surveillance of infection associated with external ventricular drains: proposed methodology and results from a pilot study

摘要

Background: The insertion of external ventricular drains (EVDs) is necessary in some neurosurgical patients, but increases the risk of meningitis/ventriculitis. While there are well-recognized risk factors, the proportion of patients who develop meningitis/ventriculitis varies partly due to differences in definitions. A multi-disciplinary working group was established to agree definitions for EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis, and a surveillance system was piloted in four centres in the UK and Ireland.