A profile of pyogenic meningitis in children.

Clinical profile of pyogenic meningitis was studied in 256 cases over a period of 8 years. The male to female ratio was 1.46: 1 and 83.6% of the patients were less than 3 years of age. Fever, altered sensorium, refusal to feed, convulsions and vomiting were the common presenting symptoms. Six (2.3%) of them had subnormal temperature and the sensorium was normal in 12.5% of cases. Cerebrospinal fluid was clear in 9.4%, cell count was less than 100/cmm in 8.2%, sugar was more than 40 mg% in 24.2% and protein was less than 50 mg% in 12.5% of cases. Diplococcus pneumoniae was the commonest causative agent. The overall mortality was 30.5%. It is concluded that young children suffering from this disease may not have the typical features and one should have the highest suspicion to make an early diagnosis so that the morbidity and mortality from this condition can be reduced.