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Title: | Pattern of CNS infections presenting to a Teaching Hospital |
Authors: | Ranawaka, U.K. Premaratna, R. Kumari, N.B.A.N.A. Wimalarathne, W.R.S. Cooray, D.K.M.M.S. Tissera, W.A.J.N. Kulatunga, A. de Silva, H.J. |
Keywords: | CNS infections |
Issue Date: | 2008 |
Publisher: | Sri Lanka Medical Association |
Citation: | The Ceylon Medical Journal. 2008; 53(Supplement 1):15 |
Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: Central nervous system (CNS) infections cause high morbidity and mortality, but data from Sri Lanka are limited. We aimed to describe the pattern of CNS infections presenting to a tertiary care hospital DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: We prospectively studied all patients with suspected CNS infection admitted to the medical units of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital over a six-month period. Data were collected on demographic and clinical features, laboratory findings, treatments given and immediate outcome. RESULTS: Fifty patients were studied [64% males, mean age (SD) - 39.4(20.2) years]. Fever (90%), altered consciousness (80%), headache (66%), behavioural change (50%) and neck stiffness (52%) were the commonest findings on presentation. Seizures were seen in 28%, and focal deficits were rare (6%). Blood cultures, blood films for malarial parasites, CSF Gram stains and CSF-eultures were negative. CT scanning was not helpful in diagnosis. A diagnosis of presumed meningitis or encephalitis was made in 36% patients, based on CSF cytology or EEC findings. A definitive aetiological/ microbiological diagnosis was not possible in any patient. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics +/- intravenous acyclovir on empiric grounds, without microbiological confirmation. Six patients (12%) died in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of CNS infections is highly unsatisfactory with the available facilities, even in a tertiary care setting. |
Description: | Oral Presentation Abstract (OP4), 121st Annual Scientific Sessions, Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008 Colombo, Sri Lanka |
URI: | http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10010 |
ISSN: | 0009-0875 (Print) |
Appears in Collections: | Conference Papers |
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