Arthritis in Adults with Bacterial Meningitis
Author Information
Author(s): Martijn Weisfelt, Diederik van de Beek, Lodewijk Spanjaard, Jan de Gans
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
How often do bacterial meningitis and arthritis occur simultaneously in adults?
Conclusion
Arthritis is a common manifestation in patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis, and the functional outcome is generally good.
Supporting Evidence
- Arthritis was recorded in 48 of 696 episodes (7%) of bacterial meningitis.
- The incidence of arthritis was higher in patients with meningococcal meningitis (12%).
- Joint-fluid cultures yielded bacteria in 6 of 23 patients (26%).
- The mortality rate in patients with arthritis was lower than in those without arthritis (8% vs. 21%).
- Functional outcome was generally good, with only 23% of surviving patients showing limited range of motion.
Takeaway
This study found that many adults with bacterial meningitis also have arthritis, but most of them recover well.
Methodology
A prospective nationwide cohort study evaluating 696 episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults.
Limitations
The study lacked strict criteria for diagnosing arthritis and joint-fluid aspirations were often performed after antibiotic therapy began.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged >16 years, with a median age of 49 years, including 21 males and 27 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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