Prompt closure versus gradual weaning of external ventricular drainage for hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: Protocol for the DRAIN randomised clinical trial

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life-threatening disease caused by rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. A common complication following aSAH is hydrocephalus, for which placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is an important first-line treatment. Once the patient is clinically stable, the EVD is either removed or replaced by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The optimal strategy for cessation of EVD treatment is, however, unknown. Gradual weaning may increase the risk of EVD-related infection, whereas prompt closure carries a risk of acute hydrocephalus and redundant shunt implantations. We designed a randomised clinical trial comparing the two commonly used strategies for cessation of EVD treatment in patients with aSAH. Methods: DRAIN is an international multi-centre randomised clinical trial with a parallel group design comparing gradual weaning versus prompt closure of EVD treatment in patients with aSAH. Participants are randomised to either gradual weaning which comprises a multi-step increase of resistance over days, or prompt closure of the EVD. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of VP-shunt implantation, all-cause mortality, or ventriculostomy-related infection. Secondary outcomes are serious adverse events excluding mortality, functional outcome (modified Rankin scale), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Outcome assessment will be performed 6 months after ictus. Based on the sample size calculation (event proportion 80% in the gradual weaning group, relative risk reduction 20%, type I error 5%, power 80%), 122 patients are needed in each intervention group. Outcome assessment for the primary outcome, statistical analyses and conclusion drawing will be blinded

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for adults with hydrocephalus : creating a prognostic model for success: protocol for a retrospective multicentre study (Nordic ETV)

Introduction Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is becoming an increasingly widespread treatment for hydrocephalus, but research is primarily based on paediatric populations. In 2009, Kulkarni et al created the ETV Success score to predict the outcome of ETV in children. The purpose of this study is to create a prognostic model to predict the success of ETV for adult patients with hydrocephalus. The ability to predict who will benefit from an ETV will allow better primary patient selection both for EN and shunting. This would reduce additional second procedures due to primary treatment failure. A success score specific for adults could also be used as a communication tool to provide better information and guidance to patients. Methods and analysis The study will adhere to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis reporting guidelines and conducted as a retrospective chart review of all patients >= 18 years of age treated with EN at the participating centres between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. Data collection is conducted locally in a standardised database. Univariate analysis will be used to identify several strong predictors to be included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The model will be validated using K-fold cross validation. Discrimination will be assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration with calibration belt plots. Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by appropriate ethics or patient safety boards in all participating countries.Peer reviewe

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for adults with hydrocephalus: creating a prognostic model for success: protocol for a retrospective multicentre study (Nordic ETV)

Introduction Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is becoming an increasingly widespread treatment for hydrocephalus, but research is primarily based on paediatric populations. In 2009, Kulkarni et al created the ETV Success score to predict the outcome of ETV in children. The purpose of this study is to create a prognostic model to predict the success of ETV for adult patients with hydrocephalus. The ability to predict who will benefit from an ETV will allow better primary patient selection both for EN and shunting. This would reduce additional second procedures due to primary treatment failure. A success score specific for adults could also be used as a communication tool to provide better information and guidance to patients.Methods and analysis The study will adhere to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis reporting guidelines and conducted as a retrospective chart review of all patients >= 18 years of age treated with EN at the participating centres between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. Data collection is conducted locally in a standardised database. Univariate analysis will be used to identify several strong predictors to be included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The model will be validated using K-fold cross validation. Discrimination will be assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration with calibration belt plots.Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by appropriate ethics or patient safety boards in all participating countries.</p