Saudi Med J
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Disease burden and case management of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years of age in Saudi Arabia.
This study was designed to explore the case management and disease burden of bacterial meningitis among children below the age of 5 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The study being based on a population based surveillance gave a better overview on causative organisms of meningitis emphasizing that Gram stain, serology of CSF and culture (of CSF and blood) should be used. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose meningitis in children. Lumbar tap should be encouraged and supported in terms of training and more authorization to apply in diagnostic tests of such conditions. Audiometric measurement is a crucial need in the assessment of meningitis cases and in the process of their follow up. This type of service is clearly missing in our system. Influential steps are to be planned to avail this service.