How do steroids work in meningitis?
The use of corticosteroids (typically, dexamethasone, 0.15 mg/kg every 6 hours for 2-4 days) as adjunctive treatment for bacterial meningitis improves outcome by attenuating the detrimental effects of host defenses (eg, inflammatory response to the bacterial products and the products of neutrophil activation).
Why are corticosteroids used in meningitis?
Corticosteroids are drugs that can reduce the inflammation caused by infection. This inflammation has been shown to aggravate damage to the nervous system in experimental meningitis studies in animals.
What is the Signalling system by which dexamethasone works?
Dexamethasone inhibits cellular signaling induced by bacteria, independent of de novo protein synthesis. THP-1 cells were treated with cycloheximide (20 μg/ml; CHX) 30 min before receiving 1.0 μM of dexamethasone. One hour later, the cells were stimulated with 9 × 107 bacteria/ml of N.
Why is mannitol given in meningitis?
Conclusion: A bolus infusion of mannitol increases cerebral blood flow in patients with acute bacterial meningitis. This effect is most pronounced during the first hour; however, the CBF elevation persists for several hours after infusion.
Can steroids cause meningitis?
Across the country, certain batches of a steroid injection given to relieve back pain have sparked an outbreak of meningitis – a potentially deadly infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
What is the best medicine for meningitis?
Penicillin is the drug of choice for the treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Chemoprophylactic antimicrobials most commonly used to eradicate meningococci include rifampin, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), ceftriaxone.
What antibiotics are used for meningitis?
Penicillin and cefotaxime are two of the antibiotics most frequently used to treat meningitis. But some bacteria (particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae) are becoming increasingly resistant to penicillin.
Is meningitis treatable?
A cure with any infection depends on recognition and proper treatments. Most forms of bacterial meningitis are treatable, although such odd germs like tuberculosis may have a foothold and be hard to cure without some residual damage.
How is meningitis treated?
Treatment for bacterial meningitis may involve such procedures such as antibiotics, hospitalizations, and medications such as cortisone, sedatives, and anticonvulsants can also be used to treat and manage meningitis. Also, ensure that your child rests, feeds on fluids, and is kept warm.