Clinical profile and outcome of pediatric bacterial meningitis: a prospective study from tertiary institute in Northern India

Abstract

Background: Meningitis is one of the fatal infections occurring in infants and older children. In acute bacterial meningitis (ABM), inflammation of the leptomeninges is triggered by bacteria present in the subarachnoid space. ABM is associated with a high rate of acute complications and long-term morbidity. Aim of our study was to determine the incidence, etiological profile and complications of acute bacterial meningitis amongst children belonging to one month to five years of age.Methods: The present study was conducted over a period of one year and diagnosis of meningitis was made on basis of history, examination and laboratory investigations. Clinical features were recorded on case sheet. Lumbar puncture was done, and CSF was sent for biochemical analysis, cell counts, staining, culture and latex agglutination test (LAT).Results: Out of total 1560 admitted cases (1 month to 5years age group), 160 cases were suspected with meningitis while 57 cases were confirmed to have ABM. Most (59.6%) cases belonged to 3 months to 1-year age group and males outnumbered the females by a ratio of 2:1. Group B Streptococcus (45.6%) was most common pathogen in 45.6% cases followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (21%) and Hemophilus influenzae (10.52%). Seizures (45%) and increased ICP (28%) were main acute complications observed during hospitalization while hemiparesis 9.6%, monoparesis 4.8%, seizures 38%, vision and hearing deficits were the sequelae observed on follow up examination. These complications were predominantly contributed by S. pneumoniae and H. Influenzae.Conclusions: The incidence of ABM is still high and Group B streptococcus is main pathogen even in post neonatal period. The complications of ABM are markedly higher in cases of S. pneumoniae, H. Influenzae meningitis in comparison to Group B streptococcus meningitis. Formulating standard protocols for management of ABM and rational antibiotic use to prevent resistance is the need of hour.