Adjunctive dexamethasone therapy for pediatric bacterial meningitis

There have been numerous studies performed to assess the impact of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy on the outcome of pediatric bacterial meningitis. Much of these data are conflicting, which can result in confusion regarding therapeutic efficacy. The present article will review the pathophysiology of this disease, critique the body of medical literature on this aspect of therapy, and provide guidelines for the emergency physician on the use of dexamethasone therapy for bacterial meningitis in children.