Table 1 Characteristics of patients and diagnostic evaluation at hospital admission
From: In-hospital management of children with bacterial meningitis in Italy
Total = 85 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
N | % | 95%CI | |
Age | |||
1-11 months | 2 | 2.4 | 0.2 - 8.2 |
1-4 years | 27 | 31.8 | 22.1 - 42.6 |
5-9 years | 24 | 28.2 | 19.0 - 39.0 |
10-14 years | 27 | 31.8 | 22.1 - 42.6 |
15-18 years | 5 | 5.9 | 1.9 - 13.2 |
Gender | |||
Male | 55 | 66.3 | 53.5 - 74.8 |
Female | 28 | 33.7 | 23.1 - 44.0 |
Decision to seek hospital care | |||
Parents | 10 | 11.8 | 5.8 - 20.6 |
Transfer from other hospital | 34 | 40.0 | 29.5 - 51.2 |
Primare care physician | 41 | 48.3 | 37.3 - 59.3 |
Diagnostic evaluation | |||
Lumbar puncture at hospital admission | 80 | 91.7 | 86.8 - 98.1 |
CSF culture | 83 | 97.7 | 91.8 - 99.7 |
CSF antigens | 56 | 65.9 | 54.8 - 75.8 |
CSF PCR | 34 | 40.0 | 29.5 - 51.2 |
Blood culture | 78 | 91.8 | 83.8 - 96.6 |
Blood PCR | 28 | 32.9 | 23.1 - 44.0 |
Known causative agent | 56 | 65.9 | 54.8 - 75.8 |
In vitro susceptibility testing available < days since admission (excluding unknown agent) | 42 | 75.0 | 38.4 - 60.5 |