A STUDY OF THE EPIDEMIC OF MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS AMONG CHILDREN IN KHARTOUM PROVINCE, 1999

Shendi Hos, Hashim MSirK, Saeed NS

Dept. of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, P. O. Box 102, Khartoum, Sudan

 

128 children admitted, in the period between 12th May 1999 and the end of July 1999 with the laboratory or clinical diagnosis of meningitis were studied. Pre-adolescent age group was the most affected (28.9%), followed by those 1-4 yrs (26.6%). 61.7% were males 20.3% were symptomatic for 1 day and 33.6% for 2 days prior to presentation. The commonest presenting symptoms were fever (96.1%), vomiting (63.3%), neck regidity (84.4%), 26.5% had convulsions and 26.6% had impaired consciousness level. Mortality rate was 10.9%. 3.2% had meningococcaemia and they all died. 7.8% had sixth nerve palsy at presentation and 1.6% were blind, 1 patient had hydrocephalus (0.8%) and one (0.8%) seventh nerve palsy. Gm stain showed Gm negative diplocacci in 72.5% (out of 102), Gm +ve dipcocci in 1%. Latex agglutination was +ve for Neisseria meningitis group A in 88.2%. 13.7% had positive culture.

A drug comparison was done in 96 patients. 53 received intravenous Benzll penicillin and intravenous agneous chloramphenical while 43 received long-acting only chloramphenical. There was no significance in the response of the two groups. Hospital stay was significantly less in patients receiving the oily chloramphenicol, but neck stiffness resolved later and CSF was still turbid after 48-72 hrs.

 

 
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