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Impact of pre-hospital antibiotic therapy on mortality in invasive meningococcal disease: a propensity score study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1671-1676. [PMID: 31140070 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of pre-hospital antibiotic therapy in invasive meningococcal diseases remains unclear with contradictory data. The aim was to determine this role in the outcome of invasive meningococcal disease. Observational cohort study of patients with/without pre-hospital antibiotic therapy in invasive meningococcal disease attended at the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (Barcelona) during the period 1977-2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses of mortality, corrected by propensity score used as a covariate to adjust for potential confounding, were performed. Patients with pre-hospital antibiotic therapy were also analyzed according to whether they had received oral (group A) or parenteral antibiotics (early therapy) (group B). Five hundred twenty-seven cases of invasive meningococcal disease were recorded and 125 (24%) of them received pre-hospital antibiotic therapy. Shock and age were the risk factors independently related to mortality. Mortality differed between patients with/without pre-hospital antibiotic therapy (0.8% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). Pre-hospital antibiotic therapy seemed to be a protective factor in the multivariate analysis of mortality (p = 0.038; OR, 0.188; 95% CI, 0.013-0.882). However, it was no longer protective when the propensity score was included in the analysis (p = 0.103; OR, 0.173; 95% CI, 0.021-1.423). Analysis of the oral and parenteral pre-hospital antibiotic groups revealed that there were no deaths in early therapy group. Patients able to receive oral antibiotics had less severe symptoms than those who did not receive pre-hospital antibiotics. Age and shock were the factors independently related to mortality. Early parenteral therapy was not associated with death. Oral antibiotic therapy in patients able to take it was associated with a beneficial effect in the prognosis of invasive meningococcal disease.
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Contou D, Sonneville R, Canoui-Poitrine F, Colin G, Coudroy R, Pène F, Tadié JM, Cour M, Béduneau G, Marchalot A, Guérin L, Jochmans S, Ehrmann S, Terzi N, Préau S, Barbier F, Schnell G, Roux D, Leroy O, Pichereau C, Gélisse E, Zafrani L, Layese R, Brun-Buisson C, Mekontso Dessap A, de Prost N. Clinical spectrum and short-term outcome of adult patients with purpura fulminans: a French multicenter retrospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 2018; 44:1502-1511. [PMID: 30128591 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-018-5341-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data on purpura fulminans (PF) in adult patients are scarce and mainly limited to meningococcal infections. Our aim has been to report the clinical features and outcomes of adult patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) for an infectious PF, as well as the predictive factors for limb amputation and mortality. METHODS A 17-year national multicenter retrospective cohort study in 55 ICUs in France from 2000 to 2016, including adult patients admitted for an infectious PF defined by a sudden and extensive purpura, together with the need for vasopressor support. Primary outcome variables included hospital mortality and amputation during the follow-up period (time between ICU admission and amputation, death or end of follow-up). RESULTS Among the 306 included patients, 126 (41.2%; 95% CI 35.6-46.9) died and 180 (58.8%; 95% CI 53.3-64.3) survived during the follow-up period [13 (3-24) days], including 51/180 patients (28.3%, 95% CI 21.9-35.5) who eventually required limb amputations, with a median number of 3 (1-4) limbs amputated. The two predominantly identified microorganisms were Neisseria meningitidis (63.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.9%). By multivariable Cox model, SAPS II [hazard-ratio (HR) = 1.03 (1.02-1.04); p < 0.001], lower leucocytes [HR 0.83 (0.69-0.99); p = 0.034] and platelet counts [HR 0.77 (0.60-0.91); p = 0.007], and arterial blood lactate levels [HR 2.71 (1.68-4.38); p < 0.001] were independently associated with hospital death, while a neck stiffness [HR 0.51 (0.28-0.92); p = 0.026] was a protective factor. Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae [sub-hazard ratio 1.89 (1.06-3.38); p = 0.032], together with arterial lactate levels and ICU admission temperature, was independently associated with amputation by a competing risks analysis. CONCLUSION Purpura fulminans carries a high mortality and morbidity. Pneumococcal PF leads to a higher risk of amputation. TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT03216577.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Contou
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Groupe de Recherche CARMAS, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, 51, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France. .,Service de Réanimation Polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier Victor Dupouy, 69 Rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prudhon, 95100, Argenteuil, France.
| | - Romain Sonneville
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Florence Canoui-Poitrine
- Service de Santé Publique, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 51,Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France.,Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing Unit, Université Paris-Est, UPEC, DHU A-TVB, IMRB-EA7376 CEpiA, Créteil, France
| | - Gwenhaël Colin
- Service de Réanimation Médico-chirurgicale, Centre Hospitalier Départemental de Vendée, Boulevard Stéphane Moreau, 85925, La Roche-sur-Yon, France
| | - Rémi Coudroy
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers, France.,INSERM CIC1402, ALIVE Group, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Frédéric Pène
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Tadié
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 2 Rue Henri le Guilloux, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Martin Cour
- Réanimation Médicale, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Edouard Herriot, 3 Quai des Célestins, 69002, Lyon, France
| | - Gaëtan Béduneau
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, 1 Rue de Germont, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Antoine Marchalot
- Service de Réanimation Polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier de Melun, 98 Rue Freteau de Peny, 77000, Melun, France
| | - Laurent Guérin
- CHRU de Tours, Médecin Intensive Réanimation, CIC 1415, CRICS-TriggerSEP, Centre d'étude des Pathologies Respiratoires, INSERM U1100, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Sébastien Jochmans
- Service de Réanimation Polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier de Melun, 98 Avenue du Général Patton, 77000, Melun, France
| | - Stephan Ehrmann
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Terzi
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700, La Tronche, France
| | - Sébastien Préau
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, 2 Avenue Oscar Lambret, 59000, Lille, France
| | - François Barbier
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, 1 Rue Porte Madeleine, 45000, Orléans, France
| | - Guillaume Schnell
- Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, GH Le Havre, 76600, Le Havre, France
| | - Damien Roux
- Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 178 Rue des Renouillers, 92700, Colombes, France
| | - Olivier Leroy
- Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, 55 Rue du Président Coty, 59200, Tourcoing, France
| | - Claire Pichereau
- Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 10 Rue du Champ Gaillard, 78300, Poissy, France
| | - Elodie Gélisse
- Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, 51092, Reims, France
| | - Lara Zafrani
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Louis, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Richard Layese
- Service de Santé Publique, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 51,Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Christian Brun-Buisson
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Groupe de Recherche CARMAS, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, 51, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Armand Mekontso Dessap
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Groupe de Recherche CARMAS, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, 51, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Nicolas de Prost
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Groupe de Recherche CARMAS, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, 51, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
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Sudarsanam TD, Rupali P, Tharyan P, Abraham OC, Thomas K. Pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 6:CD005437. [PMID: 28613408 PMCID: PMC6481530 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005437.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal disease can lead to death or disability within hours after onset. Pre-admission antibiotics aim to reduce the risk of serious disease and death by preventing delays in starting therapy before confirmation of the diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To study the effectiveness and safety of pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo, and different pre-admission antibiotic regimens in decreasing mortality, clinical failure, and morbidity in people suspected of meningococcal disease. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (6 January 2017), MEDLINE (1966 to 6 January 2017), Embase (1980 to 6 January 2017), Web of Science (1985 to 6 January 2017), LILACS (1982 to 6 January 2017), and prospective trial registries to January 2017. We previously searched CAB Abstracts from 1985 to June 2015, but did not update this search in January 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing antibiotics versus placebo or no intervention, in people with suspected meningococcal infection, or different antibiotics administered before admission to hospital or confirmation of the diagnosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data from the search results. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. We included only one trial and so did not perform data synthesis. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found no RCTs comparing pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo. We included one open-label, non-inferiority RCT with 510 participants, conducted during an epidemic in Niger, evaluating a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone versus a single dose of intramuscular long-acting (oily) chloramphenicol. Ceftriaxone was not inferior to chloramphenicol in reducing mortality (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.56; N = 503; 308 confirmed meningococcal meningitis; 26 deaths; moderate-quality evidence), clinical failures (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.15; N = 477; 18 clinical failures; moderate-quality evidence), or neurological sequelae (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.62; N = 477; 29 with sequelae; low-quality evidence). No adverse effects of treatment were reported. Estimated treatment costs were similar. No data were available on disease burden due to sequelae. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no reliable evidence to support the use pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of non-severe meningococcal disease. Moderate-quality evidence from one RCT indicated that single intramuscular injections of ceftriaxone and long-acting chloramphenicol were equally effective, safe, and economical in reducing serious outcomes. The choice between these antibiotics should be based on affordability, availability, and patterns of antibiotic resistance.Further RCTs comparing different pre-admission antibiotics, accompanied by intensive supportive measures, are ethically justified in people with less severe illness, and are needed to provide reliable evidence in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thambu D Sudarsanam
- Christian Medical CollegeMedicine Unit 2 and Clinical Epidemiology UnitIda Scudder RoadVelloreTamil NaduIndia632 004
| | - Priscilla Rupali
- Christian Medical CollegeDepartment of General Medicine Unit ‐1 & Infectious DiseasesVelloreTamil NaduIndia632004
| | - Prathap Tharyan
- Christian Medical CollegeCochrane South Asia, Prof. BV Moses Center for Evidence‐Informed Health Care and Health PolicyCarman Block II FloorCMC Campus, BagayamVelloreTamil NaduIndia632002
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Bodilsen J, Dalager-Pedersen M, Schønheyder HC, Nielsen H. Time to antibiotic therapy and outcome in bacterial meningitis: a Danish population-based cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:392. [PMID: 27507415 PMCID: PMC4977612 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) is a life-threatening disease and timing of antibiotic therapy remains crucial. We aimed to analyse the impact of antibiotic timing on the outcome of CABM in a contemporary cohort. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study based on chart reviews of all adult cases (>16 years of age) of CABM in North Denmark from 1998 to 2014 excluding patients given pre-hospital parenteral antibiotics. We used modified Poisson regression analyses to compute the adjusted risk ratio (adj. RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for in-hospital mortality and unfavourable outcome at discharge by time after arrival to hospital to adequate antibiotic therapy. RESULTS We identified 195 adults with CABM of whom 173 patients were eligible for further analyses. The median door-to-antibiotic time was 2.0 h (interquartile range (IQR) 1.0-5.5). We observed increased adjusted risk ratios for in-hospital mortality of 1.6 (95 % CI 0.8-3.2) and an unfavourable outcome at discharge of 1.5 (95 % CI 1.0-2.2, p = 0.03) when treatment delays exceeded 6 h versus treatment within 2 h of admission. These findings corresponded to adjusted risk ratios of in-hospital mortality of 1.1 per hour of delay (95 % CI 0.8-1.5) and an unfavourable outcome at discharge of 1.1 per hour of delay (95 % CI 1.0-1.3) within the first 6 h of admission. Some patients (31 %) were diagnosed after admission and had more delays in antibiotic therapy and correspondingly increased in-hospital mortality (30 vs 14 %, p = 0.01) and unfavourable outcome (62 vs 37 %, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Delay in antibiotic therapy was associated with unfavourable outcome at discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark. .,Department of Medicine, Vendsyssel Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark.
| | - Michael Dalager-Pedersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Carl Schønheyder
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Sudarsanam TD, Rupali P, Tharyan P, Abraham OC, Thomas K. Pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013:CD005437. [PMID: 23908052 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005437.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal disease can lead to death or disability within hours after onset. Pre-admission antibiotics aim to reduce the risk of serious disease and death by preventing delays in starting therapy before confirmation of the diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To study the effectiveness and safety of pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo, and different pre-admission antibiotic regimens in decreasing mortality, clinical failure and morbidity in people suspected of meningococcal disease. SEARCH METHODS We updated searches of CENTRAL (2013, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to April week 4, 2013), EMBASE (1980 to May 2013), Web of Science (1985 to May 2013), CAB Abstracts (1985 to May 2013), LILACS (1982 to May 2013) and prospective trials registries to May 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing antibiotics versus placebo or no intervention, in people with suspected meningococcal infection, or different antibiotics administered before admission to hospital or confirmation of the diagnosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data from the search results. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. We included only one trial so data synthesis was not performed. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found no RCTs that compared pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo. One open-label, non-inferiority RCT, conducted during an epidemic in Niger, evaluated a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone versus a single dose of intramuscular long-acting (oily) chloramphenicol. Ceftriaxone was not inferior to chloramphenicol in reducing mortality (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.6; N = 503; 308 confirmed meningococcal meningitis; 26 deaths; moderate-quality evidence), clinical failures (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3 to 2.2; N = 477, 18 clinical failures; moderate-quality evidence) or neurological sequelae (RR 1.3, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.6; N = 477; 29 with sequelae; low-quality evidence). No adverse effects of treatment were reported. Estimated treatment costs were similar. No data were available on disease burden due to sequelae. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no reliable evidence to support or refute the use of pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of non-severe meningococcal disease. Evidence of moderate quality from one RCT indicated that single intramuscular injections of ceftriaxone and long-acting chloramphenicol were equally effective, safe and economical in reducing serious outcomes. The choice between these antibiotics would be based on affordability, availability and patterns of antibiotic resistance.Further RCTs comparing different pre-admission antibiotics, accompanied by intensive supportive measures, are ethically justifiable in participants with severe illness, and are needed to provide reliable evidence in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thambu D Sudarsanam
- Medicine Unit 2, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632 004
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Herlitz J, Bång A, Wireklint-Sundström B, Axelsson C, Bremer A, Hagiwara M, Jonsson A, Lundberg L, Suserud BO, Ljungström L. Suspicion and treatment of severe sepsis. An overview of the prehospital chain of care. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2012; 20:42. [PMID: 22738027 PMCID: PMC3441306 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-20-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the risk of death has been reported to be even higher than that associated with the major complications of atherosclerosis, i.e. myocardial infarction and stroke. In all three conditions, early treatment could limit organ dysfunction and thereby improve the prognosis. AIM To describe what has been published in the literature a/ with regard to the association between delay until start of treatment and outcome in sepsis with the emphasis on the pre-hospital phase and b/ to present published data and the opportunity to improve various links in the pre-hospital chain of care in sepsis. METHODS A literature search was performed on the PubMed, Embase (Ovid SP) and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS In overall terms, we found a small number of articles (n = 12 of 1,162 unique hits) which addressed the prehospital phase. For each hour of delay until the start of antibiotics, the prognosis appeared to become worse. However, there was no evidence that prehospital treatment improved the prognosis.Studies indicated that about half of the patients with severe sepsis used the emergency medical service (EMS) for transport to hospital. Patients who used the EMS experienced a shorter delay to treatment with antibiotics and the start of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). Among EMS-transported patients, those in whom the EMS staff already suspected sepsis at the scene had a shorter delay to treatment with antibiotics and the start of EGDT.There are insufficient data on other links in the prehospital chain of care, i.e. patients, bystanders and dispatchers. CONCLUSION Severe sepsis is a life-threatening condition. Previous studies suggest that, with every hour of delay until the start of antibiotics, the prognosis deteriorates. About half of the patients use the EMS. We need to know more about the present situation with regard to the different links in the prehospital chain of care in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Herlitz
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE 413 45, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Angela Bång
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Wireklint-Sundström
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hagiwara
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Anders Jonsson
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Lars Lundberg
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Björn-Ove Suserud
- School of Health Sciences, Research Centre PreHospen, University of Borås, The Prehospital Research Centre of Western Sweden, SE 501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Lars Ljungström
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Skövde Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
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Short-term rifampicin pretreatment reduces inflammation and neuronal cell death in a rabbit model of bacterial meningitis. Crit Care Med 2009; 37:2253-8. [PMID: 19487938 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3181a036c0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In bacterial meningitis, severe systemic and local inflammation causes long-term impairment and death of affected patients. The current antibiotic therapy relies on cell wall-active beta-lactam antibiotics, which rapidly sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, beta-lactams inhibit cell wall synthesis, induce bacteriolysis, and thereby evoke a sudden release of high amounts of toxic and proinflammatory bacterial products. Because tissue damage in bacterial meningitis is the result of bacterial toxins and the inflammatory host response, any reduction of free bacterial compounds promises to prevent neuronal damage. DESIGN In vitro experiments and randomized prospective animal study. SETTING University research laboratories. SUBJECTS Streptococcus pneumoniae broth cultures and New Zealand White rabbits. INTERVENTIONS We evaluated a concept to improve bacterial meningitis therapy in which a short-term pretreatment with the protein synthesis-inhibiting antibiotic rifampicin precedes the standard antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone. First, logarithmically growing pneumococcal cultures were subdivided and exposed to different antibiotics. Then, rabbits suffering from pneumococcal meningitis were randomized to receive rifampicin pretreatment or ceftriaxone alone. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In pneumococcal cultures, quantitative immunoblotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a reduced release of pneumolysin and bacterial DNA by rifampicin pretreatment for 30 minutes in comparison with ceftriaxone treatment alone. In vivo, a 1-hour rifampicin pretreatment reduced the release of bacterial products and attenuated the inflammatory host response, as demonstrated by decreased CSF levels of prostaglandin E2 and total protein and increased glucose CSF/plasma ratios. Rifampicin pretreatment reduced infection-associated neuronal apoptotic cell loss compared with ceftriaxone-treated controls. CONCLUSIONS A short-term pretreatment with rifampicin reduced the beta-lactam-induced release of deleterious bacterial products, attenuated inflammation, and thereby decreased neuronal cell loss in experimental bacterial meningitis. This concept has the potential to reduce inflammation-associated neuronal injury in bacterial meningitis and should be evaluated in a clinical trial.
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Killing bacteria softly in the cerebrospinal fluid may be advantageous in bacterial meningitis*. Crit Care Med 2009; 37:2317-8. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3181a9f752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Carlé A, Laurberg P, Pedersen IB, Knudsen N, Perrild H, Ovesen L, Rasmussen LB, Jørgensen T. Mainly the younger hypothyroid patients are referred to hospital — Evidence for referral bias. J Clin Epidemiol 2009; 62:446-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2007] [Revised: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 06/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sudarsanam T, Rupali P, Tharyan P, Abraham OC, Thomas K. Pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008:CD005437. [PMID: 18254080 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005437.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal disease begins suddenly and death can follow within hours. Pre-admission antibiotic therapy aims to prevent delay in starting therapy that occurs if bacterial confirmation is sought before instituting therapy. OBJECTIVES To study the effectiveness and safety of pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo and of different pre-admission antibiotic regimens in decreasing mortality and morbidity in people suspected of meningococcal disease. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2007, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2007) and EMBASE (1980 to February 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, of all people with suspected meningococcal infection. We compared antibiotic treatment versus placebo or no intervention, or different antibiotic treatments administered before admission to hospital or confirmation of the diagnosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two author authors independently assessed quality and extracted data from included trials. We calculated the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. As only one trial fulfilled inclusion criteria, data synthesis was not performed. MAIN RESULTS No RCTs were found that compared pre-admission antibiotics versus no pre-admission antibiotics or placebo. One open-label RCT evaluated a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone versus a single dose of intramuscular long acting (oily) chloramphenicol. Interventions did not differ significantly in mortality (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5 to 2.6; N = 510; 349 confirmed meningococcal meningitis; 26 deaths), nor in proportions of survivors who developed neurological sequelae (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.2; N = 488; 36 with neurological sequelae), or that were classified as clinical failures (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.8; N = 488, 25 clinical failures). No adverse effects of treatment were seen. No data were available for our secondary outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no reliable evidence to support or refute the use of pre-admission antibiotics for suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Evidence from one RCT-during an epidemic of meningococcal meningitis, indicated that single intramuscular injections of ceftriaxone and long-acting chloramphenicol were equally effective and safe in preventing mortality and morbidity. The choice between these antibiotics would be based on affordability, availability, and patterns of antibiotic resistance.Further RCTs comparing different pre-admission antibiotics, including penicillin, including participants with severe illness are ethically justifiable and are needed to provide reliable evidence to clinicians in differing clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sudarsanam
- Christian Medical College, Medicine Unit 2, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632 004.
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Nadel S, Kroll JS. Diagnosis and management of meningococcal disease: the need for centralized care. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2007; 31:71-83. [PMID: 17233636 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2006.00059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal infection remains a significant health problem in children, with a significant mortality and morbidity. Prompt recognition and aggressive early treatment are the only effective measures against invasive disease. This requires immediate administration of antibiotic therapy, and the recognition and treatment of patients who may have complications of meningococcal infection such as shock, raised intracranial pressure (ICP) or both. Encouragingly, its mortality has fallen in recent years. This is the result of several factors such as the centralization of care of seriously ill children in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), the establishment of specialized mobile intensive care teams, the development of protocols for the treatment of meningococcal infection, and the dissemination by national bodies and charities of guidance about early recognition and management. We will review the pathophysiology and management of the different presentations of meningococcal disease and examine the possible role of adjunctive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Nadel
- Department of Paediatrics, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
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Harnden A, Ninis N, Thompson M, Perera R, Levin M, Mant D, Mayon-White R. Parenteral penicillin for children with meningococcal disease before hospital admission: case-control study. BMJ 2006; 332:1295-8. [PMID: 16554335 PMCID: PMC1473085 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38789.723611.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact on mortality and morbidity of parenteral penicillin given to children before admission to hospital with suspected meningococcal disease. DESIGN Retrospective comparison of fatal and non-fatal cases. SETTING England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; December 1997 to February 1999. PARTICIPANTS 158 children aged 0-16 years (26 died, 132 survived) in whom a general practitioner had made the diagnosis of meningococcal disease before hospital admission. RESULTS Administration of parenteral penicillin by general practitioners was associated with increased odds ratios for death (7.4, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 37.7) and complications in survivors (5.0, 1.7 to 15.0). Children who received penicillin had more severe disease on admission (median Glasgow meningococcal septicaemia prognostic score (GMSPS) 6.5 v 4.0, P = 0.002). Severity on admission did not differ significantly with time taken to reach hospital. CONCLUSIONS Children who were given parenteral penicillin by a general practitioner had more severe disease on reaching hospital than those who were not given penicillin before admission. The association with poor outcome may be because children who are more severely ill are being given penicillin before admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Harnden
- Department of Primary Health Care, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF. Abstract
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Hahné SJM, Charlett A, Purcell B, Samuelsson S, Camaroni I, Ehrhard I, Heuberger S, Santamaria M, Stuart JM. Effectiveness of antibiotics given before admission in reducing mortality from meningococcal disease: systematic review. BMJ 2006; 332:1299-303. [PMID: 16740557 PMCID: PMC1473099 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.332.7553.1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence for effectiveness of treatment with antibiotics before admission in reducing case fatality from meningococcal disease. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Cochrane register of trials and systematic reviews, database of abstracts of reviews of effectiveness, health technology assessment, and national research register in England and Wales, Medline, Embase, and CAB Health. INCLUDED STUDIES Studies describing vital outcome of at least 10 cases of meningococcal disease classified by whether or not antibiotics were given before admission to hospital. RESULTS 14 observational studies met the review criteria. Oral antibiotic treatment given before admission was associated with reduced mortality among cases (combined risk ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.44). In seven studies in which all included patients were seen in primary care, the association between parenteral antibiotics before admission and outcome was inconsistent (chi2 for heterogeneity 11.02, P = 0.09). After adjustment for the proportion given parenteral antibiotics before admission, there was no residual heterogeneity. A higher proportion of patients given parenteral antibiotics before admission was associated with reduced mortality after such treatment and vice versa (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Confounding by severity is the most likely explanation both for the beneficial effect of oral antibiotics and the harmful effect observed in some studies of parenteral antibiotics. We cannot conclude whether or not antibiotics given before admission have an effect on case fatality. The data are consistent with benefit when a substantial proportion of cases are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J M Hahné
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands.
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Domínguez A, Cardeñosa N, Pañella H, Orcau A, Companys M, Alseda M, Oviedo M, Carmona G, Minguell S, Salleras L. The case-fatality rate of meningococcal disease in Catalonia, 1990-1997. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 36:274-9. [PMID: 15198184 DOI: 10.1080/00365540410020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to analyse the case-fatality rate (CFR) of meningococcal disease (MD) in Catalonia, Spain. A retrospective study was carried out. Clinical histories of cases of MD reported for the period 1990-1997 in Catalonia were reviewed. For all cases, the variables gender, age, clinical type, y of presentation, province, phenotype and death by meningococcal disease were collected. The association between death and the other variables was studied by bivariate and unconditional logistic regression analysis. In the 2343 cases studied there were 146 deaths (6.2%) due to meningococcal disease. The CFR was higher in females (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-2.1), in the 20 to 49 y (OR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.2-4.9) and > or = 50 y (OR: 5.3, 95%CI: 2.8-10.1) age groups, in cases with septicaemia (OR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.6-3.5), in the cases produced by serogroup A (OR: 4.7, 95%CI: 1.0-23.4) and in cases occurring during 1993 (OR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.1-4.1) or in the province of Lleida (OR: 2.9, 95%CI: 1.2-7.2). In the multivariate analysis, death was associated with the 20-49 y age group (OR: 3.9, 95%CI: 1.8-8.4), the > or = 50 y age group (OR: 7.3, 95%CI: 3.6-14.7), septicaemia (OR: 3.1; 95%CI: 2.0-4.7) and residing in the province of Lleida (OR: 3.2; 95%CI: 1.2-8.5). The CFR of meningococcal disease in Catalonia was not associated with the emergent phenotype C:2b:P1.2,5 strain, which caused an outbreak in other regions of Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Domínguez
- General Directorate of Public Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
This review describes the mechanisms of the immune response to meningococcal disease, examining the extent to which individual variation of the immune response can determine susceptibility. It concludes by summarising the difficulties encountered by recent efforts to develop new immunomodulatory treatments.
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Nørgård B, Sørensen H, Jensen E, Faber T, Schønheyder H, Nielsen G. Pre-hospital Parenteral Antibiotic Treatment of Meningococcal Disease and Case Fatality: A Danish Population-based Cohort Study. J Infect 2002. [DOI: 10.1053/jinf.2002.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Many countries have been experiencing a significant increase in meningococcal disease. With the strains currently circulating, septicaemia is now a more frequent manifestation than meningitis and early recognition of disease manifestations by patient, parent or physician as well as early recognition of disease severity are the most important factors in attempting to reduce mortality and morbidity. Ceftriaxone is the treatment of choice but must be accompanied by aggressive supportive therapy in those with severe disease. The role of steroids is unknown. The evidence to support their use in both meningitis and severe systemic sepsis is discussed. The purified polysaccharide vaccines that have been available for some years may play a limited role in disease prevention. The recently introduced conjugate vaccine for preventing serogroup C disease represents a major advance but no vaccine is currently available to prevent serogroup B disease, cases of which will continue to challenge clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Wall
- Department of Microbiology, Northwick Park Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, England HA1 3UJ.
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Leclerc F, Noizet O, Dorkenoo A, Cremer R, Leteurtre S, Sadik A, Fourier C. [Treatment of meningococcal purpura fulminans]. Arch Pediatr 2001; 8 Suppl 4:677s-688s. [PMID: 11582913 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(01)80182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In France, the incidence of meningococcal infections is increasing. The most severe presentation, called purpura fulminans, has a death rate of 20-25%; 5 to 20% of the survivors need skin grafts and/or amputations. Diagnosis of invasive meningococcal infection is very difficult when purpura and "toxic" appearance are absent: one should take into account parents' impression of their ill child. This diagnosis must be evoked in any child presenting with febrile purpura (like in the United Kingdom, parents should be encouraged to use the "tumbler test" to identify a vasculitic rash); a fulminant form is to be suspected in the presence of only one ecchymosis and signs of infection, remembering that recognition of shock is difficult in children. Recently, the Health Authority has recommended to administer a third generation cephalosporin promptly (before biological investigations) for any child with signs of infection and a necrotic or ecchymotic purpura (> 3 mm of diameter), and then to refer the patient to the hospital. By grouping the patients from 7 studies, it can be observed that preadmission antibiotic administration has a protective effect on mortality (odds ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.56); a negative effect was observed in only one of these series. Children with purpura fulminans should be referred to a paediatric intensive care unit. Management includes antibiotics, steroids, fluid resuscitation and catecholamines (be aware of hypoglycaemia, particularly in infants, and hypocalcaemia). Treatment of cutaneous necrosis and distal ischemia is difficult and still controversial: antithrombin, protein C, tissue plasminogen activator and vasodilator infusion have no proven efficacy. Cases must be rapidly notified to the Public Health Service who will institute chemoprophylaxis for close contacts. Given the predominance of serogroup B in France, we hope that an efficient vaccine will soon become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Leclerc
- Service de réanimation pédiatrique, Hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, 2, avenue Oscar-Lambret, 59037 Lille, France.
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Piscopo T, Mallia-Azzopordi C, Grech V, Muscat M, Attard-Montalto S, Mallia C. Epidemiology and prognostic factors in meningococcal disease in a small island population: Malta 1994-1998. Eur J Epidemiol 2001; 16:1051-6. [PMID: 11421475 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010865315425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To review the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Malta over the period 1994-1998, and to identify factors at presentation and in the management of meningococcal disease which may influence mortality. DESIGN All admissions with meningococcal disease to a national hospital in a population-based study over the period 1994-1998 were studied retrospectively. MAIN RESULTS Fifty-six cases were diagnosed over 1994-1998, the incidence rising from 0.8/100,000 to 7.2/100,000 total population (p < 0.0001). The median time interval from arrival at hospital to administration of parenteral antibiotic decreased over the 5-year period from 4.4 to 1.2 hours (p = 0.025), with no significant change in the case-fatality rate. There was no association between the time interval from arrival at hospital to parenteral antibiotic administration, and mortality. The following features at presentation were associated with increased mortality: older age (p = 0.03), meningococcaemia compared with meningitis (p = 0.05), shock (p < 0.0001), disseminated intravascular coagulation (p = 0.0001), a normal/low white blood cell count (p = 0.0003), a low platelet count (p = 0.0001) and a high serum creatinine (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The upsurge of cases in the population was accompanied by a decrease in intervention time in the general hospital, probably due to increased awareness of the disease. This study did not show a positive relationship between early in-hospital administration of antibiotics and improved survival, probably because antibiotics were given earlier to those with fulminant disease and, with therefore, an inherently worse outcome. Stratification of cases by severity on admission is recommended in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Piscopo
- Medical Department, St. Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia, Malta.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Wall
- Department of Microbiology, Northwick Park Hospital, North West London NHS Trust, UK
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Leclerc F, Leteurtre S, Cremer R, Fourier C, Sadik A. Do new strategies in meningococcemia produce better outcomes? Crit Care Med 2000; 28:S60-3. [PMID: 11007200 DOI: 10.1097/00003246-200009001-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Meningococcal septic shock (MSS) has high mortality and morbidity rates. In addition to the traditional prompt antibiotics and respiratory and circulatory support, new treatment strategies have been proposed. AGAINST THE INFLAMMATORY CASCADE Immunotherapy, such as antiserum to Escherichia coli J5 and human antilipid A monoclonal antibodies/centoxin (HA-1A), did not significantly alter the mortality rate of MSS; we are awaiting the results of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein multicenter trial. Two series reported the effects of hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration in MSS, but the true benefits remain unknown. TO TREAT HEMOSTATIC ABNORMALITIES In MSS, heparin is still controversial and antithrombin concentrate use has been reported in only one child. Several case reports on protein C and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator have been published; the efficacy (improvement in shock and organ dysfunction and reduction in amputation rate) and safety (intracerebral hemorrhage with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) of these treatments need further evaluation. Blood and plasma exchange appear to be safe and are supposed to reduce mortality, but it is difficult to draw firm conclusions from published studies. Finally, local application of medicinal leeches has been reported to improve purpuric lesions. TO INDUCE VASODILATION Prostacyclin, or epoprostenol, infusion, sodium nitroprussiate infusion, sympathetic blockade, and topical nitroglycerin have been reported to improve distal perfusion; however, these reports are all anecdotal. OTHER STRATEGIES Improvement in limb perfusion was achieved after hyperbaric oxygenation in patients with purpura fulminans caused by different pathogens. Most authors recommend monitoring of compartment pressures and performing fasciotomy as indicated. Finally, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was recently proposed to support seven children with intractable MSS. CONCLUSIONS There is no proof that unconventional treatments have a significant impact on outcome in MSS; prospective multicenter trials are needed. At present, early recognition of meningococcal sepsis and appropriate treatment seem to be the optimal methods of improving outcome. Efforts to find an effective meningococcal vaccine must be continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Leclerc
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Lille, France.
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Abstract
Meningococcal disease is increasing in incidence in many countries, and effective vaccines for serogroup B strains will not be available for at least 5 to 10 years. In the interim, it is attention to principles of good clinical practice, particularly in the early management of the disease, that have the potential to reduce by half the current case fatality rate of approximately 10%. As discussed in this article, those principles include increased awareness, understanding of the disease and its early symptoms by parents and healthcare professionals, and careful attention to the patient before admission and during the hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Cartwright
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, United Kingdom
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