Cerebrospinal Fluid IL-6, IL-8 and PCT as Early Marker of an Intrathecal Infection in Neurosurgical Patients

Early Detection of CSF Infection in Neurosurgical Patients

The value of CSF IL-6, IL-8 and Procalcitonin in detecting an early diagnosis of intrathecal infection in neurosurgical patients with an external ventricular drainage is evaluated.

The value of CSF IL-6, IL-8 and Procalcitonin in detecting an early diagnosis of intrathecal infection in neurosurgical patients with an external ventricular drainage is evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• external ventricular drainage
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• no informed consent
• prior intrathecal infection
• prior systemic infection / sepsis