Factors contributing to the non-identification of bacterial meningitis in febrile infants: A case series study

Autor: Krishnan Chakkiyar, PR Sabeel Abdulla, MD Fiji, MS Vinod Kumar, MP Jayakrishnan
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, Vol 12 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2050-313X
2050313X
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241293169
Popis: Non-identification of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile infants is a common occurrence in clinical practice, culminating in catastrophic presentations. Six infants who initially presented to the clinician with fever without a focus, and were lately diagnosed with bacterial meningitis were analyzed for clinician-related factors contributing to the non-identification of meningitis. In a febrile neonate and a febrile young infant, lack of comprehensive evaluation was contributing to the non-identification of SBI; in four infants above the age of 3 months, meningitis was missed in spite of clinicians practicing treatment guidelines. Inadequate symptom characterization in two febrile infants and inappropriate interpretation of hemogram in three febrile infants also contributed to the non-identification of meningitis. Except for one, all infants developed complications. We conclude that the characterization of clinical features of SBI-like meningitis, interpretation of lab data, and adherence to the treatment guidelines are crucial in the management of an infant presenting as fever without a focus.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals