Intracranial pressure monitoring: review of risk factors associated with infection.
Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and the data it provides have merit as a treatment and prognostic indicator. The most common complication associated with ICP monitoring is infection. This article categorizes and reviews the risk factors associated with ICP monitor-related infections, and outlines recommendations to minimize the risk of infection. The factor most consistently associated with ICP monitor-related infections was the duration of monitoring. Additional factors related to the development of infection were the age and diagnosis of the patient monitored, the consistency of maintaining a closed system, the insertion environment and technique, and the type of ICP monitor device used.
Meadowbrook Neurologic Care Center, San Jose, CA.
K M
KM
Hickman
B L
BL
Mayer
M
M
Muwaswes
D000367:Age Factors; D003422:Critical Care; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors