PREVALENCE OF MENINGITIS IN YOUNG INFANTS 29-90 DAYS WITH SEPSIS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis is among the most serious infections in infants with high mortality and morbidity. Management of young infants with serious bacterial infections and the need of lumbar puncture (LP) is controversial unlike neonates and older children.

Objective: to determine magnitude of meningitis and associated factors in young Infants admitted with suspected sepsis in Addis Ababa.

Methods: Cross sectional study was done in young infants admitted to a tertiary center from 2013-2019 for suspected sepsis. Data was abstracted from patient files using structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS-20. Logistic regression was used to determine associated factors and independent predictors of meningitis.

Results: A total of 230 infants were included with a male to female ratio of 1.2. Most (61%) presented with fever, respiratory symptoms and feeding intolerance. While 3/4th of them have LP performed the prevalence of meningitis was 17 %. Microbiologic tests were rarely used for etiologic diagnosis. Less than 5 % had confirmed bacterial meningitis, mostly gram negative bacteria.

Conclusion: Meningitis is common coexisting condition in infants with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) despite low microbiologic confirmation. Complete septic work up with emphasis on microbiology should be the standard of care for all young infants with SIRS.