Fever in Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis
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Abstract:
Ninety-nine cases of Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) meningitis were analyzed to assess the causes of secondary and persistent fever and outcome of treatment. Secondary fever developed in 47 patients, 11 had persistent fever and 4 patients died. Secondary fevers were associated with intercurrent illness in 30 per cent, drug fever in 15 per cent, and neurologic complications in 13 per cent. Serious neurologic or other complications were no more common in patients with than in those without secondary fever. However, patients with persistent fever demonstrated a higher rate of neurologic complications. Neither persistent nor secondary fever are markers of bacteriologic relapse or inadequate therapy.
Insights
Secondary and persistent fever in Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) meningitis cases were analyzed. These fevers are not indicators of treatment failure but persistent fever is linked to increased neurologic complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) meningitis is a serious infection.
- Understanding fever patterns is crucial for patient management and outcome prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes of secondary and persistent fever in HIB meningitis.
- To evaluate the relationship between fever patterns and patient outcomes, including neurologic complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 99 cases of HIB meningitis.
- Categorization of fever types (secondary and persistent).
- Assessment of associated factors and complications.
Main Results:
- Secondary fever occurred in 47% of patients, persistent fever in 11%.
- Causes of secondary fever included intercurrent illness (30%), drug fever (15%), and neurologic complications (13%).
- Persistent fever was associated with a higher rate of neurologic complications, but neither fever type indicated bacteriologic relapse or inadequate therapy.
Conclusions:
- Secondary and persistent fever in HIB meningitis are not reliable markers of treatment failure.
- Persistent fever, however, is linked to a greater likelihood of neurologic complications.