Meningitis

• Most common causative organisms:

  • In neonates = GBS, E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria
  • 3 months or older = N. meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b
• IV dexamethasone is given for children >3 months with any of:

  • Bacteria on gram stain
  • Frankly purulent CSF
  • CSF WBC >1000
  • Reduces the frequency and severity of hearing loss and neurological damage