Assessing the Impact of Ommaya Reservoirs in Combination with External Ventricular Drainage Therapy on Intraventricular Haemorrhage:A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of various neurological conditions that can lead to

increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, and poor neurological outcomes. External ventricular drainage

(EVD) systems are commonly used for managing IVH by draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood from the

ventricles of the brain. However, the optimal EVD system for managing IVH is still debated. This study aims to

evaluate the influence of combining Ommaya reservoirs with external ventricular drainage (EVD) therapy in

patients diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).

Methods

A total of 20 patients with IVH were included in this retrospective study, with 10 patients receiving dual catheters

(EVD with Ommaya) and 10 patients receiving single catheter EVD. The patient characteristics, IVH volume, mean

arterial pressure (MAP), amount of CSF drainage, modified Graeb score (mGS), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)

score, duration of drainage, ICU length of stay, and mortality rate were compared between the two groups. Data

Analysis was performed to compare outcomes, clinical markers, and imaging findings between the Ommaya

utilized and Ommaya-unused groups. Anticipated findings will shed light on the significance of Ommaya reservoir

utilization in conjunction with EVD therapy for IVH patients. Additionally, the study aims to identify specific clinical

markers that can aid in the decision-making process regarding Ommaya reservoir implantation.

Results

Both groups had similar demographic and clinical features in this trial comparing dual catheters (EVD with

Ommaya) against single catheter drainage for intraventricular hemorrhage. The IVH volume was larger in the dual

catheter group (EVD with Ommaya), while the MAP was lower. The dual catheter group had a considerably lower

mean mGS score at the follow-up scan than the single catheter group. The dual catheter group required no

repositioning and had a shorter period of drainage. The dual catheter group had a decreased mortality rate and a

higher GOS score after 30 days. The reduction in mGS score was considerable in the dual catheter group, particularly

in individuals with mGS scores ranging from 15 to 25. Considering the fact that the sample size was small and no

statistical analysis was provided.

Conclusion

Dual catheter EVD systems may be more effective than single catheter systems for managing IVH, as they were

associated with a greater reduction in mGS score, higher GOS score, shorter duration of drainage, and lower

mortality rate. and less repositioning/recatherization However, greater sample size studies and statistical analysis

are required to corroborate these findings.