Neurosurg Focus
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The authors evaluated the rates of ventriculostomy-related infections (VRIs) after antibiotic-coated extraventricular drains (ac-EVDs) were introduced as the standard of care. ⋯ Rates of VRIs have decreased with the addition of ac-EVDs to the routine use of prolonged systemic antibiotics at the authors' institution.
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The rates and risk factors for external ventricular drain (EVD) placement and long-term shunt dependence in patients with ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have not been systematically studied. In this study the authors evaluated the rates of EVD placement and shunt dependence, and risk factors for them, in a cohort of patients with ruptured AVMs. ⋯ Hydrocephalus from AVM rupture was associated with initial GCS score, IVH, and AVM-associated aneurysms. Arteriovenous malformations with associated aneurysms thus not only have a greater risk of hemorrhage but also a greater risk of hemorrhage-associated morbidity as a result of hydrocephalus.