Intracranial pressure monitoring: review of risk factors associated with infection.

Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and the data it provides have merit as a treatment and prognostic indicator. The most common complication associated with ICP monitoring is infection. This article categorizes and reviews the risk factors associated with ICP monitor-related infections, and outlines recommendations to minimize the risk of infection. The factor most consistently associated with ICP monitor-related infections was the duration of monitoring. Additional factors related to the development of infection were the age and diagnosis of the patient monitored, the consistency of maintaining a closed system, the insertion environment and technique, and the type of ICP monitor device used.