Risk factors of intracranial pressure monitoring in children with fiberoptic devices: A critical review

BACKGROUND Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has become standard in the management of severe head injuries. A variety of monitoring techniques and devices are available, each with advantages and disadvantages; however there have been few studies in the pediatric population. METHODS To study the risk factors, efficacy, and complication rate of fiberoptic ICP monitoring we studied 98 consecutive children with severe head injuries over a 2-year period. The average patient age was 9 years and most had an initial Childrens Coma Score (CCS) of 8 or less. The monitoring devices were placed in frontal parenchyma of all children and no prophylactic antibiotics were used, All fiberoptic catheter tips were cultured upon removal. RESULTS The average duration of ICP monitoring was 7 days; the usual range was 3-15 days, with the exception of one patient who underwent monitoring for 40 days. No complications occurred during insertion of the ICP monitors. Catheter tip cultures were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis in 7% of the children, but none developed clinical features of CNS infection, The hospital location of placement or duration of ICP monitoring did not affect the rate of catheter tips with positive cultures. There was a 13% mechanical failure rate of the fiberoptic device. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that fiberoptic ICP monitoring is safe and effective; however, there is a relatively low mechanical failure rate. Infection is uncommon despite prolonged use and there is little risk of complications associated with placement of this monitor. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.