Ceftriaxone for paediatric bacterial meningitis: a report of 62 children and a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this prospective study was to document the efficacy of ceftriaxone in the treatment of childhood bacterial meningitis in a general paediatric unit.


METHODS
All children presenting with bacterial meningitis to Christchurch Hospital between January 1987 and June 1991 were enrolled in this prospective study and received ceftriaxone 100 mg/kg/d for seven days. Outcome was defined by parameters including mean time to fever defervescence, prolonged fever, days in hospital, seizures, and other acute neurological sequelae, requirement for ventilation, mortality and morbidity. Audiology was performed at six weeks and again at three months if abnormal. Neurodevelopmental assessment was performed at three months. Side effects were recorded.


RESULTS
There were 62 evaluable children. The mortality rate was 4.8% (3 children). Two children (3.4%) had clinically detectable neurological sequelae at the three month assessment. The mean duration of stay was 8.7 nights. Five children (8%) required ventilation. Mild self limiting diarrhoea occurred in 29%.


CONCLUSIONS
Ceftriaxone is an effective, safe and well tolerated antimicrobial for the treatment of childhood meningitis. It compares favourably with other equipotent antimicrobials. With a relatively long half life once daily administration is possible with a cost advantage.
Craig
J C
JC
Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital.
Abbott
G D
GD
Mogridge
N B
NB
D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002701:Chloramphenicol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002701:Chloramphenicol; D002443:Ceftriaxone; D000658:Amoxicillin