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Órgano Oficial del Hospital Angeles Health System

2010, Number 1

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Acta Med 2010; 8 (1)

Neurological complications following the discontinuation of steroid therapy in two patients with pneumococcal meningitis

Rojo-Enríquez A, Skromne-Eisenberg E, Irigoyen-Maldonado MC, Videgaray-Ortega F

Language: Spanish
References: 9
Page: 33-36
PDF size: 131.80 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Pneumococcal meningitis is potentially fatal and can leave sequelae. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes meningitis more often in adults, with a mortality of approximately 25%, outpacing other agents. Bacterial meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the leptomeninges. Its characteristic triad consisting of fever, neck stiffness and altered mental status. Diagnosis is by lumbar puncture with stains, clumps and cerebrospinal fluid culture. Treatment is with bactericidal antibiotics that penetrate into the cerebrospinal fluid and systemic steroids to reduce neurological complications and mortality. We report two cases of pneumococcal meningitis who had a favorable evolution with treatment, but complications after stopping dexamethasone.


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