Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

10.5K

Neonatal meningitis complicating with pneumocephalus

Anita Kumari1, Satish C Agrawal1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice
|April 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pneumocephalus, a rare cranial gas accumulation, is exceptionally uncommon as a neonatal meningitis complication without trauma. This case highlights unsafe umbilical cord care as a potential cause of serious anaerobic infections in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Pneumocephalus, the presence of intracranial gas, typically results from trauma, surgery, or tumors.
  • While infections can cause pneumocephalus, it is exceedingly rare as a complication of bacterial meningitis, especially in neonates.
  • Neonatal meningitis poses significant risks, and potential sources of infection require careful consideration.

Observation:

  • A newborn presented with neonatal meningitis.
  • The infant also developed pneumocephalus.
  • No history of trauma or surgical/diagnostic procedures was reported.

Findings:

  • The case suggests a potential link between unsafe umbilical cord management and the development of neonatal meningitis with subsequent pneumocephalus.
  • This highlights the risk of anaerobic infections, including tetanus, arising from improper cord care.
  • Pneumocephalus in this context is an extremely rare manifestation.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the critical importance of sterile and safe umbilical cord cutting and tying techniques in preventing neonatal infections.
  • Underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing rare complications like pneumocephalus in neonates with meningitis.
  • Suggests that umbilical cord care practices are paramount for neonatal sepsis prevention.
Keywords:
Gas producing organismsmeningitispneumocephalus

More Related Videos

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

53.3K
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

16.1K

Related Concept Videos

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...
15
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...
24
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
24
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.5K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
1.4K
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...
199