Neonatal scalp abscess: is it a benign disease?
BACKGROUND
Neonatal scalp abscesses are a rare but potentially very serious condition.


OBJECTIVE
This report serves to demonstrate meningitis as a potential complication of neonatal scalp abscess. In addition, we review the current literature on the subject and comment on the most appropriate evaluation and treatment.


METHODS
We describe six cases of neonatal scalp abscesses with one complication of enterococcal meningitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The emergency practitioner should recognize that a neonate with a scalp abscess needs to be evaluated for potential serious complications and treated empirically to cover for organisms of vaginal origin.
Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Evan J
EJ
Weiner
Mark S
MS
McIntosh
Madeline Matar
MM
Joseph
Nizar
N
Maraqa
Peter G
PG
Davis
D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents