Mortality variables in pyogenic meningitis in paediatric age group.

Abstract

To determine the association of the studied variables on mortality in pyogenic meningitis in paediatric age group. An observational analytical study. Paediatrics Medicine, Unit-2 of B.V. Hospital, attached with Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, from December 2000 to December 2002. Sample size was 300 admitted cases of pyogenic meningitis, aged 2 months to 12 years, meeting the inclusion criteria. The association of the different variables with mortality in pyogenic meningitis was studied. Data was collected and tabulated. X2 test of significance was applied to determine the p-value. p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The mortality rate was 10% (30/300). The association of different variables, with outcome at the time of admission was statistically significant in prolonged duration of illness (chronicity prior to admission and increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neutrophils after 1st lumbar puncture. Among the etiological microorganisms isolated from culture of CSF, only Streptococcus pneumoniae had statistically significant association. Mortality in pyogenic meningitis was significantly related to pre-admission illness duration and CSF neutrophilia. Mortality can be reduced by early and appropriate recognition. Antibiotic and supportive therapy should be initiated promptly followed by specific medication when the reports of the CSF culture is available.