Unselected brain imaging in suspected meningitis delays lumbar puncture, can prolong hospitalisation and may increase antibiotic costs - a pilot study

Michael, B ORCID: 0000-0002-8693-8926, Jeacocke, P, Varatharaj, A, Backman, R, McGill, F ORCID: 0000-0002-0903-9046, Kneen, R, Medina-Lara, A and Solomon, T ORCID: 0000-0001-7266-6547 (2013) Unselected brain imaging in suspected meningitis delays lumbar puncture, can prolong hospitalisation and may increase antibiotic costs - a pilot study. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 333. e615-e616.

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Abstract

Background: Antibiotics reduce mortality in bacterial meningitis; a lumbar puncture (LP) will demonstrate that many patients with suspected meningitis do not need them; but delays reduce chances of culture, particularly if N8 h. Guidelines advise a LP without brain imaging unless specific features are present. Objective: We assessed the duration of hospitalisation and inpatient costs incurred with delays in LP in a Northwest of England teaching hospital. Methods: We screened the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) database to identify patients with suspected meningitis over 3 months (07–09/ 2010). Data were recorded from clinical case notes; costs were calculated with established datasets and the British national formulary. Results: 142 patients were screened; 35 had a suspected CNS infection; 10 had a CNS infection proven: 3 bacterial meningitis; 4 aseptic meningitis and 3 viral encephalitis. Brain imaging delayed the LP for 19 (54%), (11.08 vs 5.29 hrs, p= 0.10); ten (53%) did not need imaging. 11 (42%) of those given antibiotics before the LP were delayed N8 h. For patients with aseptic meningitis and those who had a CNS infection excluded, without prior antibiotics, the delay in LP increased duration of hospitalisation (r=0.94, p=0.02 and r=0.96, p=0.01 respectively). Overall there was no trend with LP delays and antibiotic cost. However, 4 patients had antibiotics continued despite negative cultures; 2 of whom had the LP delayed N8 h, with an antibiotic cost of £215.96. Conclusion: Inappropriate brain imaging often delayed the LP; in patients who did not need antibiotics this led to longer hospitalisation.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	?? R1 ??
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2015 14:41
Last Modified:	14 Mar 2024 22:16
DOI:	10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.2144
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2007417