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Published on: November 5, 2019
The evaluation and management of bacterial meningitis: current practice and emerging developments
Andrew L Lin1, Joseph E Safdieh
1Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
The Neurologist
|May 7, 2010
Summary
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis are crucial. Early antibiotic therapy and dexamethasone improve outcomes, while new treatments target complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a severe neurological illness with high morbidity and mortality.
- Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.
- Presentation and management vary based on host factors and causative pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight differences in bacterial meningitis presentation and management.
- To review current practices and emerging developments in evaluation and management.
- To survey the literature on bacterial meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current practices and emerging developments.
- Analysis of host factors and pathogenic organisms influencing presentation and management.
- Survey of recent studies on bacterial meningitis evaluation and treatment.
Main Results:
- High index of suspicion is necessary for bacterial meningitis diagnosis.
- Classic symptoms include fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, and headache.
- Early antibiotic therapy and dexamethasone adjuvant therapy improve outcomes in specific situations.
- Blunted presentations in certain populations necessitate a low threshold for lumbar puncture.
- New adjuvant therapies are under development to reduce complications.
Conclusions:
- Recent studies have refined the evaluation and management of bacterial meningitis.
- Mechanisms of bacterial meningitis complications are better understood.
- New therapeutic targets for bacterial meningitis have been identified.
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