OBJECTIVES: The ventricular drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an essential procedure in the care of patients with hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension. However, the literature shows evidences of an infection rate (IR) of 5% to 10%. Infections can cause neurological sequelae and death. To reduce the risk of contamination antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AIC) are indicated. The aim of this study is to systematic review (SR), the efficacy of these catheters.  METHODS: The electronic databases, MEDLINE via Pubmed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, CRD and EMBASE were reviewed until June, 2013. No language and time limits were applied.  Meta-analysis, SR and RCTs in patients using AIC in the hydrocephalus treatment with internal or external shunt comparing to standard catheter (SC) were included in this study.  RESULTS: