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Clinical features and course of bacterial meningitis in children

Gabriela Juganariu1, Egidia Miftode, Danuţ Teodor

  • 1University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa-Iaşi School of Medicine.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|January 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis in children often presents with fever and vomiting, with previous ear infections being a risk factor. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome, despite potential complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection affecting the central nervous system in children.
  • Identifying risk factors and understanding clinical features are vital for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical presentation and disease progression of bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the key risk factors associated with bacterial meningitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on 100 pediatric cases (0-18 years) of bacterial meningitis.
  • Data were collected from patients admitted to Iasi Infectious Diseases Hospital between 2005 and 2010.

Main Results:

  • The study observed a prevalence in male children from rural areas, with the highest incidence in the 2-5 year age group.
  • Common predisposing factors included prior hospitalizations, ear infections, and deficits in height and weight. Fever and vomiting were the most frequent initial symptoms.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed opalescence with moderate pleocytosis in many cases. The mortality rate was low (5%), with complications like hydrocephalus and brain abscess occurring in 3% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial meningitis in children can have a severe clinical course, often with atypical presentations.
  • Prompt differential diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy upon admission are essential for managing this condition effectively.
Abstract

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