neurologic disorders
Acute Bacterial Meningitis
Prognosis for Acute Bacterial Meningitis
With antibiotic treatment, the mortality rate for children < 19 years may be as low as 3% but is often higher; survivors may be deaf and neuropsychologically impaired. The mortality rate, even with antibiotic treatment, is about 17% for adults < 60 years but up to 37% in those > 60. Community-acquired meningitis due toS. aureushas a mortality rate in the range of 43%. In general, mortality rate correlates with depth of obtundation or coma. Factors associated with a poor prognosis include Age > 60 years Coexisting debilitating disorders A low Glasgow coma score at admission (see tablesand) Focal neurologic deficits A low CSF cell count Increased CSF pressure (particularly) Seizures and a low CSF:serum glucose ratio may also indicate a poor prognosis. 