Nosocomial meningitis in intensive care: a 10-year retrospective study and literature review

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires early diagnosis, prompt initiation of therapy, and frequent admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in adult patients diagnosed with nosocomial meningitis who required admission to the ICU between April 2010 and March 2020. Meningitis/ventriculitis and intracranial infection were defined according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.Results: An incidence of 0.75% of nosocomial meningitis was observed among 70 patients. The mean patient age was 59 years and 34% were ≥65 years. Twenty-two percent of patients were in an immunocompromised state. A clear predisposing factor for nosocomial meningitis (traumatic brain injury, basal skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, central nervous system [CNS] invasive procedure or device) was present in 93% of patients. Fever was the most frequent clinical feature. A microbiological agent was identified in 30% of cases, of which 27% were bacteria, with a predominance of Gram-negative over Gram-positive. Complications developed in 47% of cases, 24% of patients were discharged with a Glasgow coma scale <14, and 37% died. No clinical predictor of complications was identified. Advanced age (≥65 years old) and presence of complications were associated with higher hospital mortality. Conclusions: Nosocomial meningitis in intensive care has a low incidence rate but high mortality and morbidity. In a critical care patient with CNS-related risk factors, a high level of suspicion for meningitis must be employed, but diagnosis is hindered by several confounding factors.