British journal of neurosurgery
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Review Meta Analysis
Antibiotic-impregnated catheters for the prevention of CSF shunt infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CSF infections are a serious complication of CSF shunts and external ventricular drains (EVDs). Antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AIC) have been tried in order to minimise the risk of such infections. ⋯ A meta-analysis of mainly observational studies suggests that AICs may be an effective way of reducing the incidence of shunt and EVD infections. Well-designed multi-centre RCTs are urgently needed.