Frequency Of Meningitis In Neonatal Late Onset Sepsis

Abstract

Objective

To determine the frequency of bacterial meningitis in neonate presenting with late onset sepsis at children hospital Larkana.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Paediatrics Department of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana from January 2022 to July 2022. In this study, lumbar puncture under aseptic measures was done and sent for CSF analysis in microbiology and biochemistry lab for cytology, protein, and glucose to assess the outcome variable i.e. bacterial meningitis. All the data was evaluated and interpreted using SPSS version 26.0.

Results

A total of 250 participants diagnosed with neonatal sepsis were included. The mean age was 16.48 days with an age range of 7 to 27 days. Males were 58.4% and females were 41.6%. Meningitis was noted in 16% of patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significant occurrence of bacterial meningitis in neonates with late-onset sepsis highlights the need for routine screening and prompt treatment. Early lumbar punctures and standardized protocols for diagnosis and management should be prioritized to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.