AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE INCIDENCE OF MENINGITIS IN NEONATES WITH LATE-ONSET SEPSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial sepsis and meningitis continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns, particularly in premature infants. The present study was undertaken to know the incidence of meningitis in neonates with late onset sepsis.

Material and Methods: Hospital based observational study, conducted in department of Pediatrics, Shri krishna Medical College and Hospital Muzaffarpur Bihar India, conducted for a period of one year. 324 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and subjected to detailed history, clinical examination followed by investigations.

Results: The annual incidence of meningitis in LOS was 15. The majority of patients (44.44%) presented in the age group of 3-7 days. In meningitis cases 100% cases were lethargic; seizures in 89%, fever in 53%. Blood culture was positive in 33.92% cases of meningitis. Meningitis was seen in 66.66% of proven gram negative sepsis as against 33.34 cases of proven gram positive sepsis and 14.28% expired with meningitis and 4.10% expired with no meningitis. 

Conclusions: Meningitis is common in late onset sepsis, associated with high mortality.

Keywords: Meningitis, Preterm, LBW, Lumber puncture