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Acute and Chronic Meningitis. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute bacterial meningitis remains a disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, with prompt and adequate antimicrobial and supportive treatment, the chances for survival have improved, especially among infants and children. Careful management of fluid and electrolyte balance is an important supportive therapy. Both over- and under-hydration are associated with adverse outcomes. This is the latest update of a review first published in 2005 and updated in 2008 and 2014. OBJECTIVES To evaluate treatment of acute bacterial meningitis with differing volumes of initial fluid administration (up to 72 hours after first presentation) and the effects on death and neurological sequelae. SEARCH METHODS For this 2016 update we searched the following databases up to March 2016: the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health, and Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of differing volumes of fluid given in the initial management of bacterial meningitis were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All four of the original review authors extracted data and assessed trials for quality in the first publication of this review (one author, ROW, has passed away since the original review; see Acknowledgements). The current authors combined data for meta-analysis using risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data or mean difference (MD) for continuous data. We used a fixed-effect statistical model. We assessed the overall quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included three trials with a total of 420 children; there were no trials in adult populations. The largest of the three trials was conducted in settings with high mortality rates and was judged to have low risk of bias for all domains, except performance bias which was high risk. The other two smaller trials were not of high quality.The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the maintenance-fluid and restricted-fluid groups in number of deaths (RR 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 1.27; 407 participants; low quality of evidence) or acute severe neurological sequelae (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08; 407 participants; low quality of evidence). However, when neurological sequelae were defined further, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of the maintenance-fluid group for spasticity (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93; 357 participants); and seizures at both 72 hours (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83; 357 participants) and 14 days (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88; 357 participants). There was very low quality of evidence favouring maintenance fluid over restrictive fluid for chronic severe neurological sequelae at three months follow-up (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89; 351 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The quality of evidence regarding fluid therapy in children with acute bacterial meningitis is low to very low and more RCTs need to be conducted. There is insufficient evidence to guide practice as to whether maintenance fluids should be chosen over restricted fluids in the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian K Maconochie
- St Mary's HospitalDepartment of Paediatrics A&ESouth Wharf RoadPaddingtonLondonUKWC2 1NY
| | - Soumyadeep Bhaumik
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of International Public HealthPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
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The UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults. J Infect 2016; 72:405-38. [PMID: 26845731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal sepsis are rare conditions with high case fatality rates. Early recognition and prompt treatment saves lives. In 1999 the British Infection Society produced a consensus statement for the management of immunocompetent adults with meningitis and meningococcal sepsis. Since 1999 there have been many changes. We therefore set out to produce revised guidelines which provide a standardised evidence-based approach to the management of acute community acquired meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in adults. A working party consisting of infectious diseases physicians, neurologists, acute physicians, intensivists, microbiologists, public health experts and patient group representatives was formed. Key questions were identified and the literature reviewed. All recommendations were graded and agreed upon by the working party. The guidelines, which for the first time include viral meningitis, are written in accordance with the AGREE 2 tool and recommendations graded according to the GRADE system. Main changes from the original statement include the indications for pre-hospital antibiotics, timing of the lumbar puncture and the indications for neuroimaging. The list of investigations has been updated and more emphasis is placed on molecular diagnosis. Approaches to both antibiotic and steroid therapy have been revised. Several recommendations have been given regarding the follow-up of patients.
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Ramanathan S, Kumar P, Mishra K, Dutta AK. Isotonic versus Hypotonic Parenteral Maintenance Fluids in Very Severe Pneumonia. Indian J Pediatr 2016; 83:27-32. [PMID: 26027555 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-015-1791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of hyponatremia between hypotonic and isotonic parenteral maintenance solutions (PMS) administered to children with very severe pneumonia, admitted in the general pediatric ward. METHODS A randomized controlled open label trial was conducted in the pediatrics department of a tertiary care medical college hospital including euvolemic children 2 mo to 5 y of age, fulfilling the WHO clinical definition of very severe pneumonia and requiring PMS. They were randomized to receive either isotonic PMS (0.9% saline in 5% dextrose and potassium chloride 20 meq/L) or hypotonic PMS (0.18% saline in 5% dextrose and potassium chloride 20 meq/L) at standard rates for next 24 h. RESULTS A total of 119 children were randomized (59: Isotonic; 60: Hypototonic PMS). Nine (15%) children in the isotonic PMS group and 29 (48%) in the hypotonic PMS group developed hyponatremia during the study period, (p <0.001) with a relative risk being 3.16 (95% CI 1.64 to 6.09). Mean serum sodium was significantly lower in the hypotonic group compared to the isotonic group (p < 0.001 each at 6, 12 and 24 h). The difference in mean change in serum sodium from baseline was also significant at 12 and 24 h (5.4 and 5.8 meq/L respectively; p < 0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the rationality of the use of isotonic PMS in children with respiratory infections, a condition regularly encountered by most pediatricians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniam Ramanathan
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Kirtisudha Mishra
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India.
| | - Ashok Kumar Dutta
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute bacterial meningitis remains a disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, with prompt and adequate antimicrobial and supportive treatment, the chances for survival have improved, especially among infants and children. Careful management of fluid and electrolyte balance is an important supportive therapy. Both over- and under-hydration are associated with adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate treatment of acute bacterial meningitis with differing volumes of initial fluid administration (up to 72 hours after first presentation) and the effects on death and neurological sequelae. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to October week 5, 2013), EMBASE (1980 to November 2013), CINAHL (1981 to November 2013), LILACS (1982 to November 2013) and Web of Science (2010 to 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of differing volumes of fluid given in the initial management of bacterial meningitis were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For this update we identified two abstracts, but after obtaining full texts we excluded them. Previous searches had identified six trials; on careful inspection three trials (415 children) met the inclusion criteria. All four of the original review authors extracted data and assessed trials for quality (one author, ROW, has died since the original review; see Acknowledgements). We combined data for meta-analysis using risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data or mean difference (MD) for continuous data. We used a fixed-effect statistical model. We assessed overall evidence quality using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS There were no trials in adult populations. All included trials were on paediatric patient groups. The largest of the three trials was conducted in settings with high mortality rates. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the maintenance-fluid and restricted-fluid groups in number of deaths (RR 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 1.27; 407 participants) (moderate trial quality); acute severe neurological sequelae (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08; 407 participants) (very low trial quality); or in mild to moderate sequelae (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.65; 357 participants) (moderate trial quality). However, when neurological sequelae were defined further, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of the maintenance-fluid group for spasticity (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93; 357 participants); seizures at both 72 hours (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83; 357 participants) and 14 days (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88; 357 participants); and chronic severe neurological sequelae at three months follow-up (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89; 351 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The quality of evidence regarding fluid therapy in children with acute bacterial meningitis is not high-grade and there is a need for further research. Some evidence supports maintaining intravenous fluids rather than restricting them in the first 48 hours in settings with high mortality rates and where children present late. However, where children present early and mortality rates are lower, there is insufficient evidence to guide practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian K Maconochie
- Department of Paediatrics A&E, St Mary's Hospital, South Wharf Road, Paddington, London, UK, WC2 1NY
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Wall ECB, Ajdukiewicz KMB, Heyderman RS, Garner P. Osmotic therapies added to antibiotics for acute bacterial meningitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 3:CD008806. [PMID: 23543568 PMCID: PMC3996551 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008806.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every day children and adults throughout the world die from acute community-acquired bacterial meningitis, particularly in low-income countries. Survivors are at risk of deafness, epilepsy and neurological disabilities. Osmotic therapies have been proposed as an adjunct to improve mortality and morbidity from bacterial meningitis. The theory is that they will attract extra-vascular fluid by osmosis and thus reduce cerebral oedema by moving excess water from the brain into the blood. The intention is to thus reduce death and improve neurological outcomes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects on mortality, deafness and neurological disability of osmotic therapies added to antibiotics for acute bacterial meningitis in children and adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL 2012, Issue 11, MEDLINE (1950 to November week 3, 2012), EMBASE (1974 to November 2012), CINAHL (1981 to November 2012), LILACS (1982 to November 2012) and registers of ongoing clinical trials (April 2012). We also searched conference abstracts and contacted researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials testing any osmotic therapy in adults or children with acute bacterial meningitis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened the search results and selected trials for inclusion. We collected data from each study for mortality, deafness, seizures and neurological disabilities. Results are presented using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and grouped according to whether the participants received steroids or not. MAIN RESULTS Four trials were included comprising 1091 participants. All compared glycerol (a water-soluble sugar alcohol) with a control; in three trials this was a placebo, and in one a small amount of 50% dextrose. Three trials included comparators of dexamethasone alone or in combination with glycerol. As dexamethasone appeared to have no modifying effect, we aggregated results across arms where both treatment and control groups received corticosteroids and where both treatment and control groups did not.Compared to placebo, glycerol may have little or no effect on death in people with bacterial meningitis (RR 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.33, 1091 participants, four trials, low-quality evidence); or on death and neurological disability combined (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.25).Glycerol may have little or no effect on seizures during treatment for meningitis (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.30, 909 participants, three trials, low-quality evidence).Glycerol may reduce the risk of subsequent deafness (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.93, 741 participants, four trials, low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The only osmotic diuretic to have undergone randomised evaluation is glycerol. Data from trials to date have not demonstrated benefit on death, but it may reduce deafness. Osmotic diuretics, including glycerol, should not be given to adults and children with bacterial meningitis unless as part of carefully conducted randomised controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C B Wall
- International Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Tacon CL, Flower O. Diagnosis and management of bacterial meningitis in the paediatric population: a review. Emerg Med Int 2012; 2012:320309. [PMID: 23050153 PMCID: PMC3461291 DOI: 10.1155/2012/320309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric bacterial meningitis is a neurological emergency which, despite advances in medical management, still has a significant morbidity and mortality. Over recent decades new vaccines have led to a change in epidemiology of the disease; however, it remains a condition that requires a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early management in the emergency department. New laboratory techniques and clinical tools are aiding the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, yet some controversies still exist in its management. This paper outlines the changing epidemiology of the disease, current diagnostic techniques as well as controversies and advances in the management of bacterial meningitis in the paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Flower
- Intensive Care Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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Sadarangani M, Pollard AJ. Bacterial meningitis in childhood. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 719:185-99. [PMID: 22125045 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0204-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Wall ECB, Ajdukiewicz KMB, Heyderman RS, Garner P. Osmotic therapies as adjuncts to antibiotics for acute bacterial meningitis. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Yee AH, Burns JD, Wijdicks EFM. Cerebral salt wasting: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2010; 21:339-52. [PMID: 20380974 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2009.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral salt wasting (CSW) is a syndrome of hypovolemic hyponatremia caused by natriuresis and diuresis. The mechanisms underlying CSW have not been precisely delineated, although existing evidence strongly implicates abnormal elevations in circulating natriuretic peptides. The key in diagnosis of CSW lies in distinguishing it from the more common syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Volume status, but not serum and urine electrolytes and osmolality, is crucial for making this distinction. Volume and sodium repletion are the goals of treatment of patients with CSW, and this can be performed using some combination of isotonic saline, hypertonic saline, and mineralocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H Yee
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Turner TJ, Barnes H, Reid J, Garrubba M. Evidence for perinatal and child health care guidelines in crisis settings: can Cochrane help? BMC Public Health 2010; 10:170. [PMID: 20350326 PMCID: PMC3091544 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important that healthcare provided in crisis settings is based on the best available research evidence. We reviewed guidelines for child and perinatal health care in crisis situations to determine whether they were based on research evidence, whether Cochrane systematic reviews were available in the clinical areas addressed by these guidelines and whether summaries of these reviews were provided in Evidence Aid. METHODS Broad internet searches were undertaken to identify relevant guidelines. Guidelines were appraised using AGREE and the clinical areas that were relevant to perinatal or child health were extracted. We searched The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify potentially relevant reviews. For each review we determined how many trials were included, and how many were conducted in resource-limited settings. RESULTS Six guidelines met selection criteria. None of the included guidelines were clearly based on research evidence. 198 Cochrane reviews were potentially relevant to the guidelines. These reviews predominantly addressed nutrient supplementation, breastfeeding, malaria, maternal hypertension, premature labour and prevention of HIV transmission. Most reviews included studies from developing settings. However for large portions of the guidelines, particularly health services delivery, there were no relevant reviews. Only 18 (9.1%) reviews have summaries in Evidence Aid. CONCLUSIONS We did not identify any evidence-based guidelines for perinatal and child health care in disaster settings. We found many Cochrane reviews that could contribute to the evidence-base supporting future guidelines. However there are important issues to be addressed in terms of the relevance of the available reviews and increasing the number of reviews addressing health care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tari J Turner
- Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Monash University, Locked Bag 29, Clayton 3168 Australia
- Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Southern Health, Locked Bag 29, Clayton 3168 Australia
| | - Hayley Barnes
- previously of the Australasian Cochrane Centre, Monash University, Locked Bag 29, Clayton 3168 Australia
| | - Jane Reid
- Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Southern Health, Locked Bag 29, Clayton 3168 Australia
| | - Marie Garrubba
- Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, Southern Health, Locked Bag 29, Clayton 3168 Australia
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Honda H, Warren DK. Central Nervous System Infections: Meningitis and Brain Abscess. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2009; 23:609-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2009.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Critères d’urgence de l’antibiothérapie : autres mesures associées. Med Mal Infect 2009; 39:659-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2009.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Dubos F. Stratégie de prise en charge (diagnostic, surveillance, suivi) d’une méningite présumée bactérienne de l’enfant. Med Mal Infect 2009; 39:615-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2009.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Dubos F, Aurel M, Heuclin T, Martinot A. Mise en condition d’un enfant atteint de méningite aiguë. Arch Pediatr 2009; 16:784-6. [DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(09)74153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Grammatikos AP, Mantadakis E, Falagas ME. Meta-analyses on Pediatric Infections and Vaccines. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2009; 23:431-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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MR imaging of the posterior hypophysis in children with tuberculous meningitis. Eur Radiol 2009; 19:2249-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-009-1408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Scarborough M, Thwaites GE. The diagnosis and management of acute bacterial meningitis in resource-poor settings. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:637-48. [PMID: 18565457 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(08)70139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute bacterial meningitis is more common in resource-poor than resource-rich settings. Survival is dependent on rapid diagnosis and early treatment, both of which are difficult to achieve when laboratory support and antibiotics are scarce. Diagnostic algorithms that use basic clinic and laboratory features to distinguish bacterial meningitis from other diseases can be useful. Analysis of the CSF is essential, and simple techniques can enhance the yield of diagnostic microbiology. Penicillin-resistant and chloramphenicol-resistant bacteria are a considerable threat in resource-poor settings that go undetected if CSF and blood can not be cultured. Generic formulations of ceftriaxone are becoming more affordable and available, and are effective against meningitis caused by penicillin-resistant or chloramphenicol-resistant bacteria. However, infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone is reported increasingly, and alternatives are either too expensive (eg, vancomycin) or can not be widely recommended (eg, rifampicin, which is the key drug to treat tuberculosis) in resource-poor settings. Additionally, improved access to affordable antibiotics will not overcome the problems of poor access to hospitals and the fatal consequences of delayed treatment. The future rests with the provision of effective conjugate vaccines against S pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitides to children in the poorest regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Scarborough
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute bacterial meningitis remains a disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, with prompt and adequate antimicrobial and supportive treatment, the chances for survival have improved, especially in infants and children. Careful management of fluid and electrolyte balance is an important supportive therapy. Both over- and under-hydration are associated with adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate differing volumes of fluid given in the initial management of bacterial meningitis. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infection Group's trials register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1980 to March 2007), and CINAHL (1982 to February 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of differing volumes of fluid given in the initial management of bacterial meningitis were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six trials were identified in the initial search. On careful inspection three of these met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and trials were assessed for quality by all four of the original review authors (one author, R.O.W. has died since the original review, see acknowledgements). Data were combined for meta-analysis using relative risks for dichotomous data or weighted mean difference for continuous data. A fixed-effect statistical model was used. MAIN RESULTS The largest of the three trials was conducted in settings with high mortality rates. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the maintenance-fluid and restricted-fluid groups in number of deaths (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.27); acute severe neurological sequelae (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08); or in mild to moderate sequelae (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.65). However, when neurological sequelae were defined further, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of the maintenance-fluid group in regard to spasticity (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93), seizures at both 72 hours (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83) and 14 days (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88), and chronic severe neurological sequelae at three-months follow up (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Some evidence supports maintaining intravenous fluids rather than restricted them in the first 48 hours, in settings with high mortality rates and where patients present late. However, where children present early and mortality rates are lower there is insufficient evidence to guide practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Maconochie
- St Mary's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics A&E, South Wharf Road, Paddington, London, UK WC2 1NY.
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