Table 3
Description of putative risks for developing lumbar drain associated bacterial meningitis
| Risk | No of patients (%) |
|---|---|
| Neurological diagnosis (based on CT) | |
| Subarachnoid haemorrhage | 9 (69) |
| Intraparenchymal haemorrhage | 3 (23) |
| Intraventricular haemorrhage | 7(54) |
| Hydrocephalus | 8 (61) |
| Underlying diabetes | 1 (7) |
| Neurosurgical operation | 8 (61) |
| Ventricles entered | 0 (0) |
| Drain placed out of intensive care unit | 6 (46) |
| Antibiotics | 6 (46) |
| Opening CSF pressure⩾20 mm Hg | 4 (57)3-150 |
| Intracranial pressure⩾20 mm Hg | 3 (23) |
| Drain duration >5 days | 3 (23) |
| Problem/manipulation | |
| Leaks | 5 (38) |
| Disconnections | 1 (7) |
| System changes | 7 (54) |
| Dressing changes | 13 (100) |
| Gross blood | 0 (0) |
| Prior ventriculostomy | 5 (38) |
| Prior intracranial pressure monitor | 12 (92) |
-
Risk set=13.
-
↵3-150 Data not available for 6 patients; this risk set=7.
