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Clinical features, laboratory data, management and the risk factors that affect the mortality in patients with

Ilknur Erdem1, Tayfun Hakan, Nurgul Ceran

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. erdem_ilknur@yahoo.com

Neurology India
|January 8, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nosocomial meningitis after neurosurgery is rare but deadly. Low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, low cerebrospinal fluid glucose, and concurrent infections significantly increase mortality risk in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Nosocomial meningitis is a rare but severe complication following neurosurgical procedures.
  • It is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize clinical features of nosocomial meningitis post-neurosurgery.
  • To identify independent risk factors for mortality in affected patients.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital.
  • Included 2265 patients undergoing neurosurgical operations from 2003-2005.
  • Diagnosis based on Center for Disease Control criteria; data analyzed using SPSS.

Main Results:

  • Incidence of postoperative nosocomial meningitis was 2.7% (49 patients).
  • Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter spp. were common pathogens.
  • Mortality rate was 40.8% (20 deaths).
  • Independent risk factors for mortality included Glasgow Coma Scale < 10, low CSF glucose (< or = 30 mg/dL), and concurrent nosocomial infection.

Conclusions:

  • Mortality associated with nosocomial meningitis post-neurosurgery is high.
  • Concurrent nosocomial infections are a significant factor contributing to this high mortality rate.
  • Early identification and management of risk factors are essential.

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