2. CLASSIFICATION:
Depending upon the etiological agent, meningitis is of
three types:
a) Bacterial or pyogenic meningitis
b) Aseptic meningitis
c) Tubercular meningitis
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3. ETIOLOGY:
In infant, acute bacterial meningitis may be caused by
variety of bacteria like
• E.coli
• Pseudomonas
• Klebsiella
• Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus
• β hemolytic streptococcus.
In infants younger than 2months, group B
Streptococci & E.coli account for 70% cases. 3
4. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
Infection from any part of the body like nasopharynx
Organisms invade surrounding blood vessels
Through blood, organisms enter cerebrospinal fluid
Infection spread through subarachnoid space
Inflammatory process begins 4
5. Increase in CSF exudation in ventricles
CSF flow through ventricular aqueduct
Thrombophlebitis of cerebral vessels
Infection of cerebral cortex, cerebral damage
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Cont…..
7. Clinical feature of infant older than 3 months
include:
i. Fever
ii. Irritability
iii. Poor feeding
iv. Vomiting
v. High pitch cry
vi. Seizures
vii. Nuchal rigidity
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8. Clinical features in children older than 3 years
include:
i. Fever, chills and malaise
ii. Headache, vomiting, papilledema
iii. There are signs of meningeal irritation like:
Nuchal rigidity
Positive Brudzinski’s sign
Positive kernig’s sign
iv. Photophobia
v. Delirium, deep coma or stupor
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11. MANAGEMENT:
Treatment of meningitis include:
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a) Specific treatment:
Treatment is started with antibiotic, commonly used
antibiotics are (Cephalosporins, Vancomycin, Cefotaxine)
for 7-14 days & 3 weeks for gram negative bacteria.
b) Symptomatic treatment:
Seizure management:
phenobarbitone, Dilantin & Diazepam
Management of intracranial pressure:
Mannitol, Frusemide
Fever and headache:
Aspirin or acetaminophen
12. c) Supportivecare:
I/V fluids to maintain fluid- electrolyte balance,
monitor neurological status, in shock condition
requires vasoactive drugs like epinephrine and
dopamine.
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13. NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1) Isolate the child
2) Administration of drugs
3) Control seizures and protect the child from injury
4) Maintain fluid intake and nutrition
5) Provide comfort and rest
6) Monitor the child’s condition
7) Parental guidance and support
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