Introduction: CNS ventriculitis is a serious complication following an intracranial insult that demands immediate treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics in a critical care setting. Infections due to multi/extensive drug resistance (MDR/XDR) microorganisms are very challenging, which may demand an additional approach to the ongoing practice; intravenous and intraventricular administration of antibiotics. Aim: To study the efficacy and safety of thorough ventricular irrigation followed by daily intraventricular antibiotic administration in patients with MDR/XDR ventriculitis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was done on 19 inpatients with ventriculitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) or Klebsiella pneumonia (KP), at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital from January 2016 to October 2017. We reviewed our experience; the role of thorough ventricular irrigation with Colistin mixed normal saline, followed by intraventricular Colistin therapy. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on the clinical symptoms, Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) culture, laboratory findings and complications. Results: A total of 19 patients were included (15 males and 4 females), with a mean age in years of 51, which ranged from 18-67. Fourteen patients had Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) and 5 had Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). The average CSF sterilization period following ventricular irrigation and intraventricular Colistin was 6 days. Sixteen patients (84%) were cured, and 3 patients (15%) died during the course of the treatment. Conclusion: In addition to Intraventricular Colistin, thorough ventricular irrigation could increase the cure rate up to 84% in patients suffering from MDR/XDR CNS ventriculitis.
Keywords: extensive drug resistance ventriculitis; external ventricular drain; intraventricular colistin therapy; multi drug resistance ventriculitis; ventricular lavage.