Purulent meningitis in the newborn infant.
The main clinical features of neonatal purulent meningitis are discussed on the basis of 19 neonatal cases. The liability to infection of preterm and dysmature babies and the role of Gram-negative bacteria in the aetiology of neonatal meningitis is emphasized. Pathological perinatal events should be regarded as predisposing factors. From the point of view of early diagnosis even the most discrete symptoms are of importance. The therapy of choice is early treatment with combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics in high doses. Repeated electroencephalographic and immunologic examination provide a useful guideline in treatment and prognosis.
D001034:Apgar Score; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D011379:Prognosis
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M