Abstract
9 newborns (B.W. 2812 ± 742 gr; G.A. 36.8 ± 3.8 wks) having proven bacterial meningitis were studied with repeated cranial ultrasounds examinations to detect and follow-up possible complications. The aetiological germs were group B streptococcus (1), E.Coli (1), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (1), Listeria monocytogenes (4), Streptococcus Pneumoniae (1) and Klebsiella (1). Early sonographic abnormalities were observed in 8 of 9 patients including bright convolutional markings (3), diffused increased echogenicity (3), smaller and non-visible ventricles (3), focal areas of increased echogenicity (1), ventricular dilation (2), ventricular debris (2). Late sonographic abnormalities were detected in 2 of 9 newborns: ventricular dilation (2) and encephalomalacia (1). 2 babies died. 5 survivors were followed-up: at 1 year of age, 3 had a normal psycho motor developenent, 2 had moderate mental retardation. Cranial ultrasound examination is now proved to be an alternative and effective method in monitoring the infective process of bacterial meningitis, beides CT scan. By serial sonographic studies it is easy to detect the early and sequential structural changes of meningitis: arachnoiditis, brain edema, cerebritis, infarction, hemorrhages, brain abscess, ventriculitis, ventricular dilation, encephalomalacia and cerebral atrophy. Therefore cranial sonography is very useful in the appropriate management and prognosis of meningitis. we suggest the routine use of cranial ultrasounds during neonatal bacterial meningitis.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Saia, S., Vozzi, A., Barba, B. et al. 132: BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IN NEUBORNS. Pediatr Res 24, 282 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00157
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00157