Diagnosing and managing invasive meningococcal disease in children

In developed countries, invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a leading infectious cause of death among children. In the UK, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is the most frequently identified cause of IMD. This article describes a clinical audit in which early management of IMD is compared with recommendations in the relevant guidelines. It confirms the importance of early recognition of IMD and the need to review previous, less serious diagnoses in ill children. Emergency department nurses play a vital role in the early recognition and management of IMD. Introduction of a meningococcal B vaccine is likely to benefit children in the UK.