Assessing the performance of D-lactate in cerebrospinal fluid as a biomarker for early and accurate diagnosis of ventriculitis in patients with external ventricular drains.

Ventriculitis is an inflammation of the brain which, if not treated promptly and effectively, can lead to serious complications and even death However, diagnosis is clinically challenging as current tests are slow, nonspecific or insensitive, leading to frequent empirical antibiotic use and unnecessary surgical interventions. Misdiagnosis can result in delayed treatment or inappropriate care, increasing patient morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. D-lactate, produced in very low amount in humans naturally, but in large amounts by bacteria, and is a promising marker in joint infections, but has to date never been evaluated for ventriculitis.

The study is expected to demonstrate that D-lactate in cerebrospinal fluid has superior sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ventriculitis compared to current diagnostic markers. By distinguishing between septic and aseptic inflammation, it could reduce unnecessary treatments, preserve antibiotic stewardship and improve neurological outcomes - ultimately transforming how ventriculitis is diagnosed and managed in ICU settings.