Neonatal meningitis

Neonatal Meningitis

Neonatal meningitis (pronunciation: nee-oh-nay-tal men-in-jai-tis) is a serious medical condition that affects newborns, typically within the first 28 days of life. It is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Etymology

The term "neonatal" is derived from the Greek words "neos" (new) and "natal" (birth), referring to the newborn period. "Meningitis" comes from the Greek "meninx" (membrane) and "-itis" (inflammation), indicating inflammation of the meninges.

Causes

Neonatal meningitis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and less frequently, Listeria monocytogenes. Viral causes are less common but can include herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms

Symptoms of neonatal meningitis can be subtle and may include poor feeding, irritability, lethargy, and fever. More severe symptoms can include seizures, bulging fontanelle, and a high-pitched cry.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neonatal meningitis typically involves a lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. Other tests may include blood cultures and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment

Treatment for neonatal meningitis typically involves intravenous antibiotics for bacterial infections. Antiviral medications may be used for viral causes. Supportive care, including hydration and seizure control, is also important.

Prognosis

The prognosis for neonatal meningitis varies and can be influenced by factors such as the causative organism, the timing of diagnosis and treatment, and the presence of any complications.

Related Terms

• Meningitis
• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral meningitis
• Group B Streptococcus
• Escherichia coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Herpes simplex virus
• Lumbar puncture
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Computed tomography

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neonatal meningitis
• Wikipedia's article - Neonatal meningitis

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