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[Neonatal meningoventriculitis]
Abstract:
Clinical and autopsy data indicate that ventriculitis persists despite parenteral and intralumbar antibiotic therapy. In the present study, ventriculitis was documented as postmortem examination in nine newborns. These studies indicate that ventriculitis occurs commonly in neonates with meningitis, particularly when there is delayed sterilization of CSF culture, A clinician has to bear in mind the diagnosis of ventriculitis when: 1) There is poor clinical and/or laboratory response to the usual therapy. 2) He has a critically ill patient with lethargy, convulsions and bulging fontanels. 3) He culture an unusual organism. 4) He faces a suspected complication of meningitis: subdural effusion, ventriculitis or abscess. 5) A CSF from ventricular puncture with more than 150 WBC, glucose less than 50 mg. and protein more than 200 mg.
Insights
Ventriculitis is common in neonates with meningitis and often persists despite antibiotic treatment. Early recognition is crucial for critically ill infants, especially with unusual organisms or abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Neurology
Context:
- Ventriculitis frequently complicates neonatal meningitis.
- Standard antibiotic therapies show limited efficacy in eradicating ventriculitis.
- Delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture sterilization is a key indicator.
Purpose:
- To highlight the persistent nature of ventriculitis in neonates.
- To outline clinical and laboratory indicators for diagnosing ventriculitis.
- To emphasize the importance of considering ventriculitis in refractory meningitis cases.
Summary:
- Postmortem examinations confirmed ventriculitis in nine neonates, underscoring its prevalence.
- Clinical signs like lethargy, convulsions, and bulging fontanels suggest ventriculitis.
- Specific CSF parameters (WBC > 150, glucose < 50 mg/dL, protein > 200 mg/dL) warrant suspicion.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic awareness of ventriculitis in neonates.
- Timelier intervention for infants with suspected or confirmed ventriculitis.
- Potential reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal meningitis complications.