Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Intraventricular Drug Delivery and Sampling for Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Study
Published on: March 31, 2022
Continuous Irrigation for Refractory Multidrug-Resistant Brain Abscess in two Patients
Nguyen Quang Thanh1, Nguyen Trung Cap1, Vu Dinh Phu1
1National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Introduction:
Brain abscesses remain a significant clinical challenge, particularly in cases involving multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms or failure of standard surgical and medical therapy. Newer adjunctive techniques, such as continuous irrigation therapy, have been explored to enhance infection control and patient outcomes in these complex scenarios.
Case Description:
We present two cases of brain abscess treated at a tertiary care centre using continuous abscess cavity irrigation after conventional interventions proved insufficient. The first patient, a 15-year-old male, experienced recurrent MDR brain abscesses despite multiple surgical procedures and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Initiation of continuous irrigation, combined with targeted antimicrobial therapy, resulted in rapid clinical stabilisation and marked radiological improvement, with minimal long-term sequelae. The second patient, a 65-year-old female, developed multiple brain abscesses after traumatic brain injury and decompressive surgery. Although continuous irrigation effectively controlled the intracranial infection and imaging confirmed resolution, her neurological recovery was limited due to profound pre-existing brain damage.
Conclusion:
Continuous irrigation therapy appears to be a valuable adjunct in the management of refractory or MDR brain abscesses, facilitating rapid infection control when conventional treatments are inadequate. However, ultimate neurological outcomes are largely dependent on the extent of underlying brain injury. These cases highlight the importance of considering continuous irrigation in selected patients and underscore the need for further research and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimise management protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Learning Points:
Continuous irrigation with alternating saline and antibiotic solutions is an effective adjunct in the management of refractory or multidrug-resistant brain abscesses.Unfortunately, successful infection control does not always guarantee neurological recovery.
More Related Videos
08:44Continuous IV Infusion is the Choice Treatment Route for Arginine-vasopressin Receptor Blocker Conivaptan in Mice to Study Stroke-evoked Brain Edema
Published on: September 1, 2016
14:58Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...