Is there a way to reduce the infection associated with external ventricular shunts? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the recent bundle of care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although external ventricular drains (EVDs) are crucial in neurosurgical care, they carry a high risk of healthcare-associated ventriculitis, with reported infection rates. Numerous interventions were thought to aid in infection control, but there is still an ongoing increase in infection incidence. Recently, bundled interventions with standardized protocols, antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, tunneling techniques, chlorhexidine dressings, and limited antibiotic prophylaxis have shown an interesting efficacy in shunt-related infection control.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science to search for published articles on care bundles with at least three discrete preventive measures. Data a

SUBMITTER: Ramadan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12812772 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature