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Pattern of sepsis and meningitis in a University Hospital

Nadia M Fida1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (2) 6408327. Fax. +966 (2) 6952076.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|November 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study identified clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) criteria for diagnosing pediatric sepsis and meningitis upon admission. Vomiting and convulsions in neonates without CSF organisms warrant careful evaluation and observation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Diagnostic criteria development

Background:

  • Sepsis and meningitis are critical pediatric infections requiring rapid diagnosis.
  • Accurate diagnostic criteria upon admission can improve patient outcomes.
  • Distinguishing between sepsis and meningitis in children is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish definitive clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) criteria for the immediate diagnosis of sepsis and meningitis in pediatric patients upon hospital admission.
  • To differentiate between sepsis and meningitis based on laboratory and clinical findings.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1000 children (1 day to 13 years) presenting with acute vomiting, fever, convulsions, and diarrhea were evaluated.
  • Clinical examinations, history taking, and lumbar puncture (LP) were performed on admission.
  • Blood and CSF samples underwent chemical, cytological, and bacteriological analysis; patients were categorized into sepsis (n=94) and meningitis (n=26) groups.

Main Results:

  • Neonates were the most commonly affected age group for lumbar puncture (35.8%), sepsis, and meningitis.
  • Vomiting was the predominant symptom across all groups.
  • Meningitis cases showed lower hemoglobin and higher blood/CSF white blood cell counts, CSF chloride, and CSF white blood cells compared to sepsis.

Conclusions:

  • Sepsis was more prevalent than meningitis in the evaluated pediatric population.
  • Neonates are a vulnerable group requiring careful assessment for sepsis and meningitis, with vomiting as a key symptom.
  • Children presenting with vomiting and convulsions but negative CSF cultures need thorough evaluation, including blood and urine cultures, and close pediatric monitoring.
Abstract

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