Do antibiotic-impregnated catheters prevent infection in CSF diversion procedures? Review of the literature

Although experience with antibiotic-impregnated shunts continues growing, practice with antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains is much shorter. The present study reviews and analyses the different investigations performed in order to determine the efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated shunts and external ventricular drains with the aim of reducing device-related infectious complications. The results suggest that AICs reduce device-related infection as well as hospital costs. However, evidence is not enough to state categorical conclusions, and further large, prospective, randomized and double-blind studies must be performed in order to confirm these results and the efficacy of other antibiotic-impregnated devices. Further economic evaluation is required to confirm the benefit in terms of cost-effectiveness as well.