Management of pediatric patients with bacterial meningitis in the emergency department.
The pattern and appropriateness of the use of antibiotics, fluids, and laboratory data in the emergency department were evaluated in 50 pediatric patients with meningitis due to Hemophilus influenzae, type b. Results indicate that the quality of care in emergency departments for patients with bacterial meningitis can be improved by administering appropriate antibiotic doses; minimizing the delay in administration of antibiotics; and avoiding the excess fluid administration to decrease the potential for hyponatremia and cerebral edema.
D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002701:Chloramphenicol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002701:Chloramphenicol; D000667:Ampicillin; D012293:Rifampin