Nationwide Study of Adults with Central Nervous System Infections in Denmark Tracking Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes at Infectious Disease Departments

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a nationwide observational study in Denmark to track and understand infections of the central nervous system CNS among adults aged 18 years and older. This study systematically registers clinical characteristics and outcomes of all community-acquired CNS infections diagnosed or treated at infectious disease departments across the country since January 1, 2015. The aim is to monitor trends in infections such as bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, neuroborreliosis, and neurosyphilis, among others. The study involves collecting detailed information on diagnosis at admission, symptoms, timing and type of diagnostic tests like lumbar puncture and cranial imaging, and treatments given. These treatments and diagnostic procedures are determined by local physicians and are not standardized across sites. The study ensures data quality through regular case reviews and annual checks of hospital records using specific diagnosis codes to identify CNS infection cases. Participants are monitored for outcomes using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at various time points depending on the infection type, such as 2 weeks for neurosyphilis and 8 weeks for brain abscess. Data on timing of hospital admission, diagnostic procedures, and antibiotic treatment are collected from hospital records. The studys main measure is the yearly incidence of CNS infections, capturing clinical course and patient outcomes to improve understanding of these serious infections over time.

Central Nervous System Infections in Denmark