Clinical and microbiological spectrum of external ventricular drain related infections (EVDRIs) from a tertiary care center

Insertion of an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) is a common and important lifesaving procedure that can lead to morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to assess the infection rate, risk factors, causative organisms, and outcome of EVDs.

A prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary care centre from August 1st to October 30th, 2020. Over 192 patients had undergone insertion of EVDs in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. CSF samples were collected in sterile containers and transported to the laboratory.

A total of 214 EVDs were inserted in 192 patients for 691 days. The median duration for EVD in situ and the mean time between catheter insertion and onset of infection were 14.5 days and 8 days. EVD related infection rate was 19.4 for 1000 EVD days. The most common risk factor for EVD insertion were tumors (55%) followed by hydrocephalus (40%).We identified 25 patients out of 192 (12%) who had clinical signs and symptoms with deranged CSF counts. A total of 13/25 (52%) specimens were culture positives out of which 10 (76.9%) were Gram negative pathogens and 3 (23%) were Gram positive pathogens and 3/10 (30%) Gram negative pathogens were Multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs).

It was observed that longer duration of catheter in situ was an important risk factor for EVD-related infections (ERIs) and also higher frequency of CSF sampling. A proper EVD infection prevention and control protocol must be followed in the form of a checklist at the time of EVD insertion.