Meta-Analysis

Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis

Brouwer MC, McIntyre P, Prasad K, van de Beek D, 2015 · 25 studies included

Summary

Cochrane systematic review of 25 randomized trials (n=4,121) evaluating adjunctive corticosteroids across children and adults with bacterial meningitis.

Conclusion

Corticosteroids significantly reduced hearing loss (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.88) and neurological sequelae (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.00) in bacterial meningitis, and reduced mortality in Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98) in high-income settings.

High certainty

Clinical Context & Relevant Topics (1)

Disease Reference

Acute Meningitis & Encephalitis

CT-before-LP criteria, CSF interpretation matrix, de Gans Dexamethasone timing, empiric age/host antimicrobial coverage + Ampicillin + Acyclovir, and neurocritical ICP management.

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