Abstract
BackgroundExperimental studies suggest that changes in brain ventricle size are key events in bacterial meningitis. This study investigated the relationship between ventricle size, clinical condition and risk of poor outcome in patients with bacterial meningitis.MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis admitted to two departments of infectious diseases from 2003 through 2010 were identified. Clinical and biochemical data as well as cerebral computed tomographic images were collected. The size of the brain ventricles were presented as a Ventricle to Brain Ratio (VBR). Normal range of VBR was defined from an age matched control group. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality.ResultsOne hundred and seven patients were included. Eighty-one patients had a CT scan at the time of diagnosis. VBR was identified as an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality, Mortality Rate Ratio: 6.03 (95 % confidence interval: 1.61-22.64, p = 0.008) for highest versus lowest tertile. A VBR deviating more than 2 standard deviations from the normal range was associated with increased mortality.ConclusionsBrain ventricles are commonly subject to marked changes in size as a consequence of meningitis. Increased brain ventricle size in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis was associated with increased mortality.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1097-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Experimental studies suggest that changes in brain ventricle size are key events in bacterial meningitis
Brain edema and hydrocephalus are severe clinical conditions leading to impaired consciousness and reduced brain function in patients suffering from bacterial meningitis
The present study aimed to investigate the number of patients with bacterial meningitis presenting with ventricle compression or expansion and the association between ventricular dimensions and outcome
Summary
Experimental studies suggest that changes in brain ventricle size are key events in bacterial meningitis. This study investigated the relationship between ventricle size, clinical condition and risk of poor outcome in patients with bacterial meningitis. Brain edema and hydrocephalus are severe clinical conditions leading to impaired consciousness and reduced brain function in patients suffering from bacterial meningitis. Among adult patients with bacterial meningitis, severe hydrocephalus is a clinical endpoint with high risk of poor outcome [3, 4]. The phenomenon “Resistance to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow” indicates decreased re-absorption of CSF and accumulation. This may, in extreme cases, cause development of hydrocephalus with accompanying increase of intracranial pressure (ICP) [12, 13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
