Characteristics of Pediatric Meningitis in the Teaching Hospital Batticaloa

Abstract

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid. Meningitis is more common in infants and young children than in adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of Paediatric Meningitis in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa.Sri Lanka. The research methods for this study involved a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional approach, focusing on children under 16 years’ old who were diagnosed with meningitis and admitted to the pediatric wards of Teaching Hospital Batticaloa between January 2021 and December 2023. No specific sampling method was employed as the study encompassed all eligible cases within the specified period. Data were accurately collected from Bed Head Tickets, which were retrieved from the hospital's record room. The collected data were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, ensuring comprehensive and accurate statistical evaluation of the findings. RESULTS: Our pediatric meningitis study at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa involved 40 participants, predominantly male (57.5%) and aged 1 month to 1 year. Most patients (95%) were from Batticaloa, with common birth weights between 2.5 and 3.5 kg. Hydrocephalus was the most frequent birth complication. Hospital stays typically ranged from 7 to 14 days (75%). Respiratory tract infection was a prevalent risk factor (17.5%), and fever was the primary symptom (97.5%). Key findings included elevated WBC counts (>11000/µL) in 66.66% of patients, low neutrophil counts (50%) IN 35.90%, and hemoglobin levels below 12mg/dl in 69.23%. CRP levels ranged from 25-100mg/l in 35.90% of patients. CSF protein levels were 25-50mg/dl in 53.12%, with 65% showing abnormal CSF glucose levels. Positive blood cultures identified Streptococcus pneumonia and Streptococcus species. Cefotaxime was the main antibiotic used (70%), often administered with dexamethasone (58%). Seizures were the most common complication (35%), with 12% requiring ICU admission. There were no deaths reported. The study on pediatric meningitis at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa highlights the need for enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, improved public health education, vaccination programs, standardized treatment protocols, and ongoing training for healthcare providers. Implementing these measures will improve management, outcomes, and the well-being of affected children and their families.