Meningitis; H. influenza:

Alternative names:

H. influenza meningitis, H. flu meningitis.

Treatment:

Treatment of meningitis must be started as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. H. influenza meningitis is treated with T SIZE=2>antibiotics. T SIZE=2>Ceftriaxone is the drug most frequently used initially prior to sensitivity studies. Sensitivity studies will demonstrate to which antibiotics the H. influenza is sensitive or resistant. Once the sensitivity studies are available, the remainder of the treatment is completed with the safest and most effective antibiotic. Less common initial treatment may be started with an amoxicillin/chloramphenicol combination. However, because chloramphenicaol has potentially fatal side effects this combination is seldom used. Antibiotics to treat meningitis are given intravenously. Systemic corticosteroids may also be used. They are given in an effort to reduce hearing loss, a common complication of meningitis.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is good with early treatment. The fatality rate is 5 percent. A rule of thirds is commonly used to describe the potential outcomes of this condition following treatment: one-third will have significant neurological complications, one-third will have subtle neurological findings, and one-third will experience a complete recovery without complication. These figures have improved somewhat with improvement in early diagnosis and treatment. Some of the more common long-term outcomes following meningitis include:

• hearing loss
• seizures
• mental retardation
• hydrocephalus

Subtle neurological problems following meningitis may include:

• learning disorders
• abnormalities in speech and language development
• behavioral problems
  

Complications:

• Subdural effusion, a collection of fluid in the subdural space (beneath the outer membrane of the brain and spinal chord),
• hydrocephalus, subdural accumulation of fluid,
• deafness,
• paralysis of various muscles,
• mental retardation
• septic shock
• increased intracranial pressure with possibility of herniation
• seizures.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a young baby or child has persistent, unexplainedfever, irritability, feeding difficulties, or high pitched cry. Infants under six months with a fever and irritability should be seen within a few hours by the physician and if not feasible then immediately in the emergency room.You will probably have a follow-up appointment if your child has been hospitalized and treated for meningitis. Observe his behavior carefully and record any changes from his previously normal behavior so that you can report them to your physician. If the changes deviate markedly from the infantĘs previous behavior or you note a worsening of behavior call your physician and make an appointment sooner than the follow-up.