title: [Treatment of bacterial meningitis in children].
abstract: The initial treatment of infantile and childhood bacterial meningitis is now well standardized, but three current aspects are discussed in this paper. Although classically, ampicillin can still be given as the initial treatment of bacterial meningitis in children, current epidemiologic data demonstrate the emergence of resistant strains of Haemophilus and Pneumococcus, and consequently use of a third-generation cephalosporin should be preferred. Concerning duration of treatment, 4 to 5 days seem adequate for meningococci and 7 days for Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococci. Lastly, the usefulness of adjunctive antiinflammatory treatment is considered. The purpose of this treatment is to lower the risk of cerebral complications and neurosensory impairment. Current data suggest that use of corticosteroids as early as possible may be helpful. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of pediatric bacterial meningitis has led to other forms of treatment being proposed, but their value remains to be proven.
authors.affiliation: Clinique des Maladies Infectieuses B (Enfants), Centre Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taillebois
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Astruc
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
vernacular_title: Traitement des méningites bactériennes de l'enfant.