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Meningitis in children beyond the neonatal period in Gondar University hospital

Solomon Amsalu1, Azariyas Assefa

  • 1Gondar University, Ethiopia. solomon76@fastmail.fm

Ethiopian Medical Journal
|December 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis is a severe childhood infection with high complication rates. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for reducing mortality in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis poses a significant threat to infants and children, often leading to severe complications.
  • The infection requires urgent medical attention due to its potential severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and mortality factors of bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with higher fatality rates in children diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on 151 pediatric patients admitted with meningitis to Gondar University hospital over five years.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment received, and outcomes (discharge, death, or incomplete treatment).

Main Results:

  • The study included 151 children (100 males, 51 females), with 58.3% under five years old and 31.1% infants under 12 months.
  • A total of 82.8% were discharged improved, while 13.2% died, with most deaths (65%) occurring within 72 hours of hospitalization.
  • Higher fatality rates were observed in infants under 6 months, delayed presentation (>48 hours), altered sensorium, respiratory distress, or seizures. Pre-admission antibiotic treatment was noted in 25.5% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial meningitis in children is associated with significant mortality and complications.
  • Factors such as age, delayed treatment, and specific clinical signs (altered sensorium, respiratory distress, seizures) are linked to increased fatality.
  • Emphasizing early diagnosis and prompt intervention is critical for improving outcomes and reducing mortality in pediatric bacterial meningitis cases.

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