Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Neurointensive care of patients with severe community-acquired meningitis
M Edberg1, M Furebring, J Sjölin
1Department of Neuroscience, Section of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Background:
Reports about neurointensive care of severe community-acquired meningitis are few. The aims of this retrospective study were to review the acute clinical course, management and outcome in a series of bacterial meningitis patients receiving neurointensive care.
Methods:
Thirty patients (median age 51, range 1-81) admitted from a population of 2 million people during 7 years were studied. The neurointensive care protocol included escalated stepwise treatment with mild hyperventilation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, continuous thiopentotal infusion and decompressive craniectomy. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale.
Results:
Twenty-eight patients did not respond to commands on arrival, five were non-reacting and five had dilated pupils. Twenty-two patients had positive CSF cultures: Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=18), Neisseria meningitidis (n=2), β-streptococcus group A (n=1) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=1). Thirty-five patients were mechanically ventilated. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored in 28 patients (intraventricular catheter=26, intracerebral transducers=2). CSF was drained in 15 patients. Three patients received thiopentothal. Increased ICP (>20 mmHg) was observed in 7/26 patients with available ICP data. Six patients died during neurointensive care: total brain infarction (n=4), cardiac arrest (n=1) and treatment withdrawal (n=1). Seven patients died after discharge, three due to meningitis complications. At follow-up, 14 patients showed good recovery, six moderate disability, two severe disability and 13 were dead.
Conclusion:
Patients judged to have severe meningitis should be admitted to neurointensive care units without delay for ICP monitoring and management according to modern neurointensive care principles.
Insights
Severe bacterial meningitis requires prompt neurointensive care. Early intracranial pressure monitoring and management improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neurointensive care for severe community-acquired meningitis is underreported.
- This study reviews the clinical course, management, and outcomes of bacterial meningitis patients in a neurointensive care setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of neurointensive care protocols for severe bacterial meningitis.
- To analyze patient outcomes based on Glasgow Outcome Scale.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 30 patients over 7 years.
- Neurointensive care included mild hyperventilation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, thiopental infusion, and decompressive craniectomy.
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was utilized in 28 patients.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (n=18).
- Elevated ICP (>20 mmHg) was observed in 7/26 patients.
- Mortality during neurointensive care was 20% (6/30), with 23% (7/30) dying post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- Severe meningitis necessitates immediate admission to neurointensive care units.
- Early ICP monitoring and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Adherence to modern neurointensive care principles is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
