Surgical Indications and Outcomes of Postmeningitis Subdural Collection in Infants: Single Tertiary Care Center Experience

Abstract

Background Postmeningitis subdural collection (PMSC) is a complication in infants with bacterial meningitis. Clinical and radiologic findings enable treating teams to gain more insights into diagnosing and managing PMSC. This study aims to establish the indications for surgical management of PMSC in infants based on a single pediatric tertiary care center experience.

Methods We reviewed the hospital records of infants diagnosed with PMSC between January 2015 and December 2021. They were diagnosed based on clinical suspicion that was confirmed through imaging using computed tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients received antibiotic treatment, and surgical interventions using subdural drain placement or craniotomy were performed. The patients were followed up for outcomes and prognosis for 1 to 5 years.

Results A total of 17 infants were included in the study. Infants younger than 4 months represented most cases of PMSC (64.7%). Initially, bacterial growth was seen in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 15 (88.2%) patients. The causative agents included Streptococcus pneumoniae (58.8%), Salmonella spp. (11.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (5.9%), Escherichia coli (5.9%), and Micrococcus luteus (5.9%). Growth in subdural fluid revealed the presence of E. coli (5.9%) and Staphylococcus hominis (5.9%). All the patients received treatments including combinations of antibiotics regimens. Major indications predisposing patients with PMSC to surgery included persistent fever, seizures, and bulging fontanel in the presence of PMSC on CT or MRI. All the patients underwent surgical operations, including subdural drain placement (76.5%) and craniotomy (23.5%).

Conclusions Persistent fever, seizures, and bulging fontanel, in the presence of PMSC, were found to be the indications for surgical intervention in PMSC. Drainage of PMSC and continuation of antibiotics is a safe and effective modality for treatment in PMSC, with a reasonable outcome and acceptable rate of morbidity and mortality. Craniotomy should be reserved for those with thick pus collection, as burr hole surgery can be used to achieve the goal in the majority of patients.

Keywords

subdural fluid collection - surgical indication - bacterial meningitis - infant

Publication History

Received: 18 May 2022

Accepted: 01 September 2022

Article published online:
20 December 2022

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