Risk factors associated with intracranial infection after surgery for intraventricular hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the risk factors associated with ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAI) after intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and provide basis for the prevention of intracranial infection. Methods The clinical data of patients with intracranial infection after surgery for intraventricular hemorrhage in our hospital from August, 2013 to August, 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate possible risk factors associated with VAI after IVH. Diagnosis of intracranial infection was confirmed by clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. Results Total 276 patients were enrolled in the study, including 184 male (66.7%) and 92 female (33.3%), ranged from 32 to 79 years with an average age of (65.9±8.1) years. According to the postoperative intracranial infection, the patients were divided into VAI group (31 cases, 11.2%) and non-VAI group (245 cases, 88.8%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral ventricular drainage (OR=1.213, 95% CI:1.003-1.632, P=0.023), subcutaneous tunnel length<5 cm (OR=1.821, 95% CI:1.554-2.232, P<0.001) and duration of ventricular drainage>7 d (OR=2.658, 95% CI:1.813-3.223, P<0.001) were the independent risk factors of VAI. Conclusion VAI is a common complication after intraventricular hemorrhage. Bilateral ventricular drainage, subcutaneous tunnel length<5 cm, duration of ventricular drainage>7 d are the independent risk factors of VAI in patients after intraventricular hemorrhage. We should pay more attentions to these patients.