Meningoencephalitis and Cephalosporins

4th Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference

ISSN 0973 - 0958

Neuromuscular Disorder

Clinical Tools

Clinical Vignettes

Diseases & Conditions

Drugs Interaction Calculator

Podcasts

Patient Management Online

Diagnostic Dilemma

Question of the Day

Medical Quiz

Interactives

Ask Queries

SPECIALIST ANSWERS

Rakesh Kumar, Binay Ranjan, Manjul Vijay Department of Pediatrics, Katihar medical college, Katihar...

Video Podcast

Videos in Medicines

Medical Training Videos

Clinical Video Resource

Videos on Asthma

Audio Cast

Lecture on Pediatrics

Medical Training Audios

Clinical Audio Resources

Audios on Asthma

Mobile (wap)

Staying connected to Pediatric Oncall is now easier with Pediatric Oncall Mobile . You can now download selected content from the latest issue of Pediatric Oncall.

Research Grant

FIND DIAGNOSIS

VACCINE REMINDER

Get the Vaccine Schedule for your child."

	Specialist Answers
Question
My biggest problem is that my institute receives meningoencephalitis cases from all over Delhi and adjoining areas in such bad shape that we hardly have time to send cultures and work out a strategy. Most already having received the common third gen cephalosporins at private places for few days. Resultant we loose them without even giving a fight. we really helpless when it comes to encephalitis ( mortality rate being 60-70% in my experience) 2) please can you give me an approach regarding investigating and reaching a diagnosis, which is both speedy and cost effective in helping save such kids? 3) On what grounds can acyclovir be started? 4) Please also share the most effective strategy treatment wise keeping in mind the short window period that most of the times we have? Please help me at the earliest. Thank you!
Answer
It is a problem in dealing with these children especially since cost is a major factor to consider. For meningoencephalitis, one needs to distinguish between viral, bacterial and tuberculous etiology. CSF examination is the most useful test. If the CSF sugar is still low, one needs to rule out between TBM and bacterial infection. In this case, imaging to look for basal exudates, hydrocephalus would be a useful pointer to TBM. A high WBC count on CBC would be a pointer towards bacterial infection. Regarding viral infections, look for RBCs in CSF, normal CSF sugars. Herpes encephalitis may also cause temporal lobe lesions on imaging and EEG will show pleds. If you have strong suspicion of herpes, acyclovir may be started but one may consider doing CSF herpes PCR in such a case. If negative, it rules out Herpes. Do not forget the use of steroids for bacterial and TB meningitis. If cost is not a factor, PCR for various viral infections in the CSF can be done. CSF TB PCR may not be that reliable. Back to All Questions

Diseases & Conditions

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Pediatric Conferences

Ped Tools

Adverse Drug Reactions

Head circumference Calculator

Mid parental height Calculator

Body surface area Calculator

BMR Calculator

Temperature Calculator

Anion gap Calculator

Today's Poll

Should teicoplannin, colistin be used in case of neonatal sepsis where culture does not reveal any organism_?

No, it should be used only after drug sensitivity report

Yes, under guidance of an infectious disease expert

Vote

Results

Pediatric oncall book store

Partner Sites

Infection in Children

Pedcall

Medical ADRIS

Vaccine Reminder

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Educational Section

Disclaimer:

The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.

Sitemap For Doctor

Sitemap For Parent

Sitemap For Kids