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Posttraumatic meningitis in adolescents and children.
N W Wilson1, B Copeland, J F Bastian
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Posttraumatic meningitis in children, especially adolescents, can lead to sepsis and cardiovascular issues. Seek signs of head trauma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in nonmeningococcal cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic meningitis is a serious complication following head injuries.
- Understanding its clinical spectrum in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Adolescents may present unique challenges in the context of posttraumatic meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical features of posttraumatic meningitis in the pediatric age group.
- To identify specific risk factors and causative organisms.
- To evaluate the outcomes and potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 7 pediatric cases of posttraumatic meningitis.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures.
- Assessment of treatment, cardiovascular and respiratory support, and neurological outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 7 pediatric patients aged 3-16 years; 4 were adolescents.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen identified in CSF and blood cultures.
- Five patients required intensive cardiovascular and respiratory support; neurological sequelae and hearing loss were observed.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial invasion of CSF can precipitate sepsis and cardiovascular compromise in pediatric patients.
- In adolescents with nonmeningococcal meningitis, consider prior head trauma and CSF leakage.
- Radiographic evaluation for CSF fistula is recommended in suspected cases.