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Acute bacterial meningitis in children

D M Olanrewaju1, O Olusanya, A A Laditan

  • 1College of Health Sciences, Ogun State University, Sagamu, Nigeria.

West African Journal of Medicine
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Childhood pyogenic meningitis is a significant health issue, with Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most common cause. Early treatment is crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pyogenic meningitis poses a significant health challenge in childhood.
  • This study examines pyogenic meningitis cases in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology and outcomes of pyogenic meningitis in children.
  • To identify key prognostic factors influencing mortality and morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 48 pediatric patients admitted between January 1986 and December 1987.
  • Data collected on patient demographics, causative organisms, treatment intervals, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Meningitis accounted for 2.8% of pediatric admissions.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen (67.5%).
  • Mortality rate was 26.1%, with 23.5% of survivors experiencing significant morbidity.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood pyogenic meningitis is an important community health problem.
  • Prognostic factors include coma, persistent convulsions, low CSF glucose, low serum sodium, and delayed treatment.
  • Timely intervention is critical for improving outcomes in pediatric meningitis.

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