Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Suboptimal management of central nervous system infections in children: a multi-centre retrospective study

Christine Kelly1, Aman Sohal, Benedict D Michael

  • 1Neurological Infectious Disease, Brain Infections Group, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

BMC Pediatrics
|September 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Management of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) infections in the Mersey region is inconsistent and often falls short of optimal standards. This audit highlights variability in the investigation and treatment of CNS infections, especially viral encephalitis, in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Auditing

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) infections pose a significant threat to pediatric health.
  • Effective management relies on adherence to established clinical guidelines.
  • Regional variations in healthcare practices can impact patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To audit the current regional management of pediatric CNS infections.
  • To assess adherence to national and local management guidelines.
  • To identify areas for improvement in the investigation and treatment of CNS infections in children.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective audit of children aged 4 weeks to 16 years with suspected CNS infection.
  • Data collected from case notes and electronic records across six hospitals in the Mersey region.
  • Evaluation of management pathways against established national and local guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-five children were identified; 10 had confirmed CNS infections (meningitis, encephalitis).
  • Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were inconsistently performed and tested.
  • Treatment with antibiotics and antivirals showed significant variability in indication and duration, with suboptimal use of acyclovir and herpes virus PCR.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical management of pediatric CNS infections in the Mersey region is heterogeneous and often sub-optimal.
  • Investigation and treatment of viral encephalitis require particular attention.
  • Development and implementation of national guidelines for viral encephalitis management are recommended.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...