[Meningitis following spinal anaesthesia]
Niels Franzen1, Leif Frausing Bach
1Regionshospitalet Randers, Anaestesiologisk Afdeling. franzen.niels@gmail.com
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|June 3, 2008
Abstract:
We report a case of meningitis by Streptococcus salivarius following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. The possible aetiological causes are discussed, and the literature on the disease and the effectiveness of surgical face-masks are reviewed.
Insights
A rare case of Streptococcus salivarius meningitis occurred after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. This review discusses causes and the role of surgical face masks in preventing such infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Spinal anesthesia is commonly used for cesarean sections.
- Streptococcus salivarius is a bacterium typically found in the normal flora of the human mouth.
Observation:
- A patient developed meningitis caused by Streptococcus salivarius shortly after undergoing spinal anesthesia for a cesarean section.
- This represents a rare but significant complication following a routine obstetric procedure.
Findings:
- The study investigates potential etiological factors linking Streptococcus salivarius to meningitis post-spinal anesthesia.
- A review of existing literature on Streptococcus salivarius meningitis and its management is presented.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of aseptic techniques during spinal anesthesia to prevent rare bacterial infections.
- Discusses the potential role of surgical face masks in mitigating the risk of oropharyngeal bacteria causing meningitis.
- Underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing and treating meningitis in postpartum patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...