Observational study on clinical features and prognostic factors of meningitis in a tertiary health care centre in North India

Dr.Ajit Kumar Srivastava; Dr. Krishna Bala Srivastava

Volume : VII, Issue : IX, September - 2018

Observational study on clinical features and prognostic factors of meningitis in a tertiary health care centre in North India

Dr. Ajit Kumar Srivastava, Dr. Krishna Bala Srivastava

Abstract :

Meningitis is a worldwide prevalent disease with great adversity and mortality. It exists in different types and varies from region to region. Many studies have been conducted on meningitis especially in pediatric age group, but the exact data in terms of regional information regarding trends, early diagnosis of prognostic factors and prompt treatment patterns is inadequate in adults. Hence, this study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in North India to study the various prognostic factors of meningitis. It was an observational, retrospective study. The data was collected from the previous medical records of the hospital and all the details regarding demography, clinical presentations, etiology, CSF findings and outcomes were recorded and analyzed statistically. A total of 238 cases were recorded and studied. Majority of the cases were diagnosed with viral/aseptic meningitis followed by pyogenic, tuberculous and fungal meningitis. Diabetes mellitus and smoking were the most significant risk factors predisposing the patients to meningitis in our study. majority of the patients (32%) presented with the classical triad of altered mental sensorium, headache with fever and neck stiffness according to the records. A higher incidence of CSF protein was found in pyogenic meningitis. ADA value was significantly elevated in tuberculous meningitis. Eighty six patients suffering from viral/aseptic meningitis improved whereas 11 patients suffering from pyogenic meningitis succumbed to the disease. The early identification of various prognostic factors, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment would reduce the serious complications and mortality.