Prognostic factors of community-acquired purulent meningitis outcome in adults

Abstract

The results document the significant case fatality ratio and sequelae rates of acute bacterial meningitis in adults. Among the identified prognostic factors, only time to treatment can be influenced.

Early clinical suspicion in a patient with corresponding symptoms should lead to immediate diagnostic testing and start of treatment. This approach is likely to increase the chances of a favourable outcome.

Keywords

• acute bacterial meningitis
• clinical outcome
• case fatality ratio
• prognostic factors