CSF/blood glucose ratio and other prognostic indices in pyogenic meningitis

Fifty cases of pyogenic meningitis were examined for various prognostic indices, especially cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/blood glucose ratio. Overall mortality was 40%. Age below one year and depressed level of consciousness were associated with high mortality. Illness of more than 7 days, presence of associated illness and absence of neck rigidity were not found to be statistically significant factors associated with higher mortality. CSF leucocyte count of more than 1000 cells/cmm and CSF protein more than 500 mg/dl were statistically significant factors associated with higher mortality. In cases of CSF glucose level below 20 mg/dl and CSF/blood glucose ratio below 0.2, the increase in mortality was highly significant. CSF/blood glucose ratio in cases who recovered was much higher than those who died. CSF/blood glucose ratio increased to normal in cases who recovered but remained low in cases who expired.