Co-existence of bacterial meningitis in neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis in preterm and term babies is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, reaching up to 50% for untreated infants, though advanced neonatal care has reduced complications. The aim of this study was to determine the co-existence of bacterial meningitis in neonates diagnosed with sepsis. Methods: This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from Jan 2017 to Jan 2018. After getting approval from the Hospital Ethics Committee, data was collected from all patients with neonatal sepsis admitted in the neonatology unit. Informed consent was taken from parent or guardian. Detailed history and complete physical examination was carried out. A lumbar puncture was performed and CSF was collected from the patient and analysis for cell count, proteins, sugar, and culture & sensitivity was done. Cranial ultrasonography was done to exclude intra-ventricular, intra-cerebral, extradural or subdural haemorrhage. Results: Out of 188 patients, 124 (65.95%) male and 64 (34.05%) females, with 43 (22.87%) diagnosed neonatal septic meningitis were included. The mean age of the infants was 18±6.65 days and mean weight was 2,500±156.55 grams. Statistically insignificant correlation was observed between bacterial meningitis and age and gender. However, significant correlation (p<0.01) was found between bacterial meningitis and weight of the patients. Conclusion: Bacterial meningitis is significantly associated with neonatal sepsis and needs to be ruled out in these babies to avoid neurological complications.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(4):63–5