Chemotherapy in cerebrospinal meningitis in the Sudan

Abstract

1. Meningococcal cerebrospinal meningitis in the Sudan does not materially differ in its progress and end result from the disease as found in Europe.2. There is no racial peculiarity in response to infection or to chemotherapy.3. There is no sex or age peculiarity in incidence. Both sexes and all ages respond to chemotherapy.4. Sulphapyridine is superior to sulphanilamide in the shortening of invalidism and in the prevention of complications.5. Oral administration of sulphapyridine is in the majority of cases as effective as intramuscular.6. Dosage is related to the clinical stage of the disease, and to its duration before treatment. An initial dose of 2·5 g. sulphapyridine for adults, and 1·0—1·5 g. for children is prescribed for the serious case, with subsequent gradation of treatment to provide a maintenance dose.7. Treatment, if it is going to give a good result, will produce a response within 24 hr. It need not be prolonged beyond 7 days. The third, fourth and seventh days of treatment are critical.