The role of lumbar puncture in meningococcal disease

Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis

“…5 6 Others contend that identification of the organism in the CSF is important for treatment, prophylaxis, and epidemiological studies. 7 We side with the latter view but recognise that there are reasons for delaying LP until it is safe. [3][4][5] Whether the decision is to perform LP or not, antibiotic treatment should not be delayed.…”

Lumbar puncture should not be performed in meningococcal disease

“…E ditor ,—I was dismayed to see your publication of the letter by Dr Sam regarding the role of lumbar puncture in meningococcal disease 1. While fully understanding the need to get as much information as possible, the benefits of isolating the causative organism need to be weighed against the risk of causing clinical deterioration in a patient who may have cardiovascular compromise and/or raised intracranial pressure, both of which are recognised contraindications to lumbar puncture 2.…”