Low White Blood Cell Count in Pneumococcal Meningitis and Its Link to Sepsis
Author Information
Author(s): Martijn Weisfelt, Diederik van de Beek, Lodewijk Spanjaard, Johannes B Reitsma, Jan de Gans
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count and outcomes in patients with pneumococcal meningitis?
Conclusion
A low cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count in adults with pneumococcal meningitis is associated with signs of sepsis and systemic complications.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with a CSF WBC <1000/mm3 were more likely to have an unfavourable outcome than those with a higher WBC.
- A low CSF WBC was significantly associated with a positive blood culture and systemic complications.
- Advanced age and a positive blood culture were associated with a low CSF WBC in multivariate analysis.
Takeaway
If someone has a low white blood cell count in their spinal fluid when they have pneumococcal meningitis, it might mean they are also dealing with sepsis, which is a serious infection.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study examining the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count, bacteraemia, and sepsis in adults with pneumococcal meningitis.
Limitations
The study lacked data for analyzing internationally accepted criteria of sepsis and septic shock.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged >16 years with confirmed pneumococcal meningitis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.02–1.45
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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