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Published in:

01-06-2008 | Original Paper

Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles-Impregnated External Ventricular Drain Catheters in Patients with Acute Occlusive Hydrocephalus

Authors: Peter Lackner, Ronny Beer, Gregor Broessner, Raimund Helbok, Klaus Galiano, Claudia Pleifer, Bettina Pfausler, Christian Brenneis, Christian Huck, Klaus Engelhardt, Alois A. Obwegeser, Erich Schmutzhard

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 3/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Catheter-associated infection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a potentially life-threatening complication of external ventricular drainage (EVD). The purpose of this pilot study was to address the efficacy of silver-impregnated EVD catheters in neurological and neurosurgical patients requiring external CSF drainage due to acute occlusive hydrocephalus.

Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients were enrolled in the treatment arm of the study and data were prospectively recorded for these patients. The control group consisted of 20 patients for whom data were retrospectively assessed. CSF samples were drawn at least three times a week and routine bacterial cultures and CSF analyses were done according to standard protocols. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of catheter-associated ventriculitis (CAV) proven by positive CSF culture. Secondary endpoints were bacterial colonization of the catheter tip and CSF pleocytosis.

Results

In 20 control patients, 5 CAVs were microbiologically diagnosed. In contrast, no positive CSF cultures were found in the treatment group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). All CAVs occurred later than day 10 after catheter placement. Colonization of the catheter tip was found in 6 patients in the control group and in 5 patients in the treatment group (not significant).

Conclusions

This pilot study indicates that EVD catheters impregnated with silver nanoparticles might be a new option for preventing CAV in neurocritical care patients, and therefore evaluation in a large prospective randomized study is warranted.

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Title: Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles-Impregnated External Ventricular Drain Catheters in Patients with Acute Occlusive Hydrocephalus
Authors: Peter Lackner
Ronny Beer
Gregor Broessner
Raimund Helbok
Klaus Galiano
Claudia Pleifer
Bettina Pfausler
Christian Brenneis
Christian Huck
Klaus Engelhardt
Alois A. Obwegeser
Erich Schmutzhard
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Neurocritical Care / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-008-9071-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles-Impregnated External Ventricular Drain Catheters in Patients with Acute Occlusive Hydrocephalus

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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