Improving Prognosis by using innovative methods to diagnose Causes of Encephalitis (I-PACE)

 

Inclusion procedure:

1. If a patient is eligible for inclusion, inform the patient or his representative and ask for informed consent.
2. A study number can be generated with the studynumber generator, if there is a study number in the study set, please use the same link to let us know what number has been used (choose right option, differs per hospital).
3. If the lumbar puncture has not been performed yet, draw 1ml extra CSF in the study tube. If the lumbar puncture has been performed, we will arrange the storage of the remaining CSF.
4. Collect blood (1x serum, 2x EDTA, 2x PAXgene tube), rectal swab and pharyngeal swab within 48 hours after the lumbar puncture. In incapacitated patients blood samples will only be collected when combined with regular blood withdrawals. All samples can be delivered to the clinical laboratory.
5. NB Please write the study number on the patient samples!
   
6. Please put the signed informed consent form in the study folder.
7. Send or email a copy of the informed consent, the discharge letter and CD-ROM with cranial CT/MRI during admission to the AMC.

Inclusion criterion:

Patients of 16 years and older in whom a lumbar puncture is performed to diagnose or exclude meningitis or encephalitis.

Exclusion criteria:

• Neurosurgical operation in the 3 months previous to current illness
• Presence of cerebrospinal fluid catheter

English subject information letters:
( Dutch versions can be downloaded via this link)

 

Inclusion statistics I-PACE: