Reagent Strips as an Aid to Diagnosis of Neonatal Meningitis in a Resource-limited Setting. (29th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burgoine, Kathy; Ikiror, Juliet; Naizuli, Ketty; Achom, Linda; Akol, Sylivia; Olupot-Olupot, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of tropical pediatrics. Volume 65:Number 1(2019:Feb.)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2018-01-29
• Subjects: child health -- paediatrics -- neonatal sepsis -- meningitis -- Africa; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Health -- Periodicals; Infant; Child; 618.929883
• DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmy003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-6338

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Without early recognition and treatment, neonatal meningitis (NM) has a high mortality and morbidity. Although some neonates have features of NM, many do not. In many low-resource settings, the laboratory support to diagnose NM is not available, and bedside diagnostics are needed. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a neonatal unit in Uganda. Clear cerebrospinal fluid samples were routinely screened for glucose, protein and leukocytes on a Combur ® -10 urinalysis reagent strip. A definitive diagnosis was made using laboratory analysis. The results of the screening and definitive tests were compared. Results: The reagent strip showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for leukocytes ≥10×10 6 cells/l, high sensitivity for protein ≥100 mg/dl and high specificity for glucose <50 mg/dl. Conclusion: The use of reagent strips has the potential to improve and hasten the diagnosis of probable NM in settings where adequate or timely laboratory support is not available.