Work

Analysis of intracerebral abscesses in Deep Brain Stimulation and association with hardware-related wound complications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease. However, its increasing use has highlighted the risk of serious complications, such as intracerebral abscesses and hardware-related wound infections. While hardware-related infections are common, intracerebral abscesses remain rare. OBJECTIVE: This study presents a retrospective analysis of DBS-associated intracerebral abscesses and hardware-related wound complications, alongside an evaluation of contributing factors observed over 13 years at our DBS center. METHODS: A total of 194 patients who underwent DBS implantation were analyzed, investigating demographics, postoperative complications, device type, and treatment outcomes. A literature review was also conducted to identify similar cases of DBS-related intracerebral infections. RESULTS: The incidence of DBS-associated intracerebral abscess in our series was 1.54 %. All patients underwent partial or total hardware removal, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was administered. The use of curved devices and vancomycin powder prophylaxis was associated with a reduction in wound complications. A higher risk of pathogen growth was found in male patients, while female patients exhibited a borderline significantly lower risk of abscess development. CONCLUSION: Our study contributes to the limited literature on DBS-associated intracerebral abscesses. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment, offering insights into preventing hardware-related infections and intracerebral abscesses. These results may guide future strategies for managing this rare but serious complication.

Source: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2025.04.004

Authors: Ozan Hasimoglu, Taha Hanoglu, Tuba Ozge Karacoban, Ayca Altınkaya, Buruc Erkan, Bekir Tugcu

Institutions: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, İstanbul Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura Şehir Hastanesi

Language: English

Topic: Neurological disorders and treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500