Comparative analysis between the profile of cerebrospinal liquid (CSF) and clinical evolution in patients with bacterial meningitis

Abstract

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that occurs in the Central Nervous System, which presents important morbidity and mortality, mainly in children. The main bacterial agents causing meningitis in the community are Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Specific signs and symptoms suggest meningitis and cerebrospinal fluid analysis is the main exam leading to diagnosis. Objectives: To analyze the behavior of cerebrospinal fluid during the evolution of the patient with bacterial meningitis. Methods: A retrospective study revised the medical records of patients with bacterial meningitis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid examination in the Base Hospital of São José do Rio Preto from January 1996 to December 2002. Results: in the 63 Patients, there were 18 cases (28.6%) of S. pneumoniae, 20 cases (31.7%) of H. influenzae, 12 cases (19%) of N.meningitides B and 13 (20.6%) cases of N. meningitidis C. In the 18 patients with pneumococcus, 10 (55.6%) were discharged and 8 (44.4%) died. In the 20 patients with HIB, only 3 (15%) died, there was no death patients with meningococcus B and C. Conclusion: There was no difference statistics in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patients who were discharged and those who died.