Outcome of acute bacterial meningitis among children in Tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of Hemophilus Influenzae type b, streptococcus pneumonia and Niesseria Meningitidis and outcome in culture proven meningitis in children 6 months to 24 months of age admitted in children ward. Study Design: Cross Sectional Analytical study. Setting: Pediatric Medical Unit of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: January 2019 to December 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 220 children of either sex with culture proven meningitis, aged 6 months to 24 months, were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, duration of fever, history of seizures, weight of child, vaccination status and bacteria isolated from Cerebrospinal Spinal Fluid (CSF) and outcome were analyzed. Confidentiality of data was maintained and it was assured that no harm to the participants will be done. The outcome in the form of mortality was noted during the first 10 days of hospital stay. There was no conflict of interest among the authors and study was self-funded. Results: Amongst a total of 220 children, 123 (55.9%) were male. There were 130 (59.1%) children who were less than or equal to 1 year of age. There were 154 (70.0%) children who were having a weight of 7 to 10 kg. Vaccination status showed that, 111 (50.5%) were fully vaccinated, 59 (26.8%) partially vaccinated and 50 (22.7%) not vaccinated. Duration of fever revealed that, 141 (64.1%) had fever for more than 5 days. There were 139 (63.2%) children who had a history of seizures.  Streptococcus pneumonia was the commonest bacteria found in 110 (50%) children followed by Neisseria meningitides 53 (24.1%), H. Influenza 37 (16.8%). Overall mortality was noted in 34 (15.5%) children. Conclusion: In children with bacterial meningitis, mortality was high and most common bacteria were found to be S.pneumoniae followed by H.influenzae.