The VEntriculostomy-Related Infection Score: An Antibiotic Stewardship Tool in Ventriculostomy-Related Infections.

Background And Objectives: Diagnosing ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI), a common complication after external ventricular drainage (EVD), is challenging and often associated with delayed initiation of antibiotic therapy. We aimed to develop a stewardship score to help in the decision of antibiotic therapy initiation when VRI is suspected.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included patients admitted to the intensive care unit after EVD placement who were suspected of having healthcare-associated ventriculitis and/or meningitis between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2022.