Volume : V, Issue : VII, July - 2015

STUDY OF ROLE OF DEXAMETHASONE IN PYOGENIC MENINGITIS

Siddharth Singh

Abstract :

 INTRODUCTION – Acute Bacterial meningitis is still a cause of morbidity and mortality despite the use of antibiotics. Role of steroids in reducing the morbidity and other unfavourable outcomes in patients suffering from meningitis has always been debated in medical science. We conducted a study to assess the role of dexamethasone in patients with pyogenic meningitis. AIM – To evaluate the role of dexamethasone in patients with acute bacterial meningitis. METHOD AND MATERIALS – Dexamethasone was administered 20 minutes before or with the first dose of antibiotic and the outcome studied. A total of 55 patients were studied who were divided into two groups. Group I received dexamethasone and antibiotic while group II received only antibiotic. Group I was further divided into two subgroups – Group Ia consisted of patients receiving dexamethasone 20 minutes prior to administration of antibiotic and Group Ib comprised of those who received dexamethasone simultaneously with antibiotics. Patients in Group I showed early resolution of confusion, fever and nausea while no significant change was seen in any symptom in Group Ia and Group Ib. RESULT – Patients on dexamethasone showed significant improvement in their sensorium and neck rigidity also resolved earlier in this group. Among the CSF parameters sugar and WBC count were better in Group I patients than in Group II patients. Comparison between Group Ia and Group Ib patients revealed statistically significant improvement in WBC count only while other parameters were similar. Administration of Dexamethasone showed improvement in clinical features as well as CSF parameters although the timing of administration did not show any significant change. CONCLUSION – Patients with acute pyogenic meningitis should be administered dexamethasone along with antibiotics to improve their clinical outcome and reduce complications.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

SIDDHARTH SINGH Study of Role of Dexamethasone in Pyogenic Meningitis Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.5, Issue : 7 July 2015

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