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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
Summary
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.