Using antibiotics with external ventricular drains to prevent infections

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine the effectiveness of two different durations of prophylactic antibiotic use in patients requiring external ventricular drains (EVDs) due to conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 24 hours of antibiotics or antibiotics for the entire duration of the EVD. The primary goal is to compare the incidence of ventriculostomy-related infections (VRIs) between the two groups. The antibiotics used in this study include Nafcillin or Doxycycline, administered starting no more than 60 minutes before EVD placement.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* patients over the age of 18 years
* patients diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, or acute ischemic stroke who require an EVD for management of their underlying condition. In certain cases (a small minority), an EVD must be replaced due to failure (i.e., blood clot interrupting flow). In such cases, patients will be re-dosed with antibiotics prior to catheter exchange in typical fashion and continue in their previously randomized treatment group

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients who were on antibiotics within the week prior to admission
* patients with leukopenia (\<5000) at baseline
* patients with signs of meningitis, ventriculitis or any other infection at presentation
* patients who are pregnant or prisoners
* patients aged \< 18 years old

Where it's running

• Montefiore Medical Center
  The Bronx, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David C Altschul, MD — Montefiore Medical Center
• Study coordinator: David C Altschul, MD
• Email: daltschul@montefiore.org
• Phone: 7189204965

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.