New methods to diagnose infections from external ventricular drains
Novel Diagnostic Methods to Identify External Ventricular Drain Associated Infections
Karolinska University Hospital · NCT05904535
This study is testing new ways to quickly find bacterial infections in patients with external ventricular drains to see if they work better than the usual methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karolinska University Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Trial ID | NCT05904535 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate three novel diagnostic methods for the rapid detection of bacterial infections associated with external ventricular drains (EVDs) in neurocritically ill patients. Current diagnostic practices rely on indirect signs of infection, which can lead to excessive antibiotic treatment due to the difficulty in accurately identifying true infections. The study will compare these new methods against traditional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial cultures, which often take several days to yield results. By improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, the study seeks to enhance patient care in critical settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are neurocritically ill patients who are being treated with an external ventricular drain at the Karolinska University Hospital.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age requirements or are not treated with an external ventricular drain will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis of infections, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach is novel in this specific context, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy for infections in other medical settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Treated with an external ventricular drain. 2. Admitted to the neurocritical and critical care unit at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna, Sweden. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Does not fulfill age requirements.
Where this trial is running
Stockholm
- Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital — Stockholm, Sweden (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David W Nelson, MD, PhD — Karolinska University Hospial, Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: David W Nelson, MD, PhD
- Email: david.nelson@ki.se
- Phone: 0851779168
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Ventricular Drain Related Infection, Nosocomial Infection, Infection, Bacterial, Ventriculitis, Infectious