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Published on: October 29, 2014
Gram-negative bacillary meningitis in the adult: review of 39 cases
Abstract:
From 1976 through 1984, the period covered in this report, we reviewed our total experience with gram-negative meningitis in adult patients, looking especially at how treatment and mortality had changed. Thirty-nine adults had 45 episodes of gram-negative meningitis. Twenty-five patients had had a dura-arachnoid disruption, 12 a septic episode, and two a bacterial mastoiditis. The overall mortality was 35.9%. Thirteen patients were treated with a full course of intrathecal antibiotics (five or more days) and eight patients with an abbreviated course (one or two doses). The use of chloramphenicol was associated with poor patient outcome, a finding consistent with both experimental and clinical findings of others.
Insights
This study reviewed gram-negative meningitis in adults from 1976-1984. Chloramphenicol use correlated with increased mortality, suggesting it is not an optimal treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Gram-negative meningitis is a serious infection affecting the central nervous system.
- Understanding treatment efficacy and mortality trends is crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A review of 45 episodes of gram-negative meningitis in 39 adult patients between 1976 and 1984 was conducted.
- Common causes included dura-arachnoid disruption, septic episodes, and bacterial mastoiditis.
Findings:
- The overall mortality rate for gram-negative meningitis during this period was 35.9%.
- Intrathecal antibiotic courses varied, with 13 patients receiving full courses and 8 receiving abbreviated courses.
- The use of chloramphenicol was associated with poorer patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Findings suggest chloramphenicol may be detrimental for treating gram-negative meningitis.
- Further research into optimal antibiotic strategies for gram-negative meningitis is warranted.
- This data highlights the importance of evaluating antibiotic effectiveness in clinical practice.
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