[Evaluation of the criteria used for the interruption of treatment in bacterial meningitis (persistent pleocytosis and hyper-cervicospinal fluid proteins (author's transl)]

Abstract

Among 809 patients with bacterial meningitis persistent pleocytosis greater than 60 white blood, cells/mm3, after 10 days or more of therapy, was found in 25 patients and persistent hypercervicospinal fluid proteins greater than 70 mg/dl in 24. In 14 patients there was an association of these disturbances. All cases, except one, were adequately treated. Persistent pleocytosis and hyper-cervicospinal fluid proteins, uncommon inmeningococcal meningitis, were frequent in pneumococcal and more frequent in Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. In pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae meningitis the incidence of neurologic sequelae was greater in patients with persistent pleocytosis and hyper-cervicospinal fluid proteins than without them. In adequately treated patients, persistent pleocytosis or hyper-cervicospinal fluid proteins alone cannot be used as an indication of prolonging or changing therapy of bacterial meningitis.