Related Experiment Videos
Cerebrospinal fluid filtration in a case of severe pneumococcal meningitis
M Brizzi1, A Thorén, B Hindfelt
1Department of Neurology, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract:
Current therapy of bacterial meningitis includes high doses of antibiotics and, sometimes, addition of corticosteroids in order to reduce a harmful inflammatory response. The persisting high mortality and rate of sequelae, particularly regarding pneumococcal meningitis, calls for new therapeutic approaches. We report a case of a 71-year-old female with a pneumococcal meningitis treated with extra-corporeal filtration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after 3 days of coma on conventional treatment. The treatment was carried out without complications and the clinical outcome was favourable. We suggest that filtration of the CSF should be considered as a tool to eliminate noxious substances playing a harmful role in deteriorating course of bacterial meningitis.
Insights
This case study suggests cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filtration may help treat bacterial meningitis. This novel approach removed harmful substances, leading to a favorable outcome in a pneumococcal meningitis patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis has high mortality and sequelae rates, especially pneumococcal meningitis.
- Current treatments (antibiotics, corticosteroids) are insufficient for severe cases.
- Harmful inflammatory responses and noxious substances contribute to poor outcomes.