Review article

Clinical manifestations and treatment of meningococcal disease

Srđan Roglić orcid.org/0000-0002-4441-2600 ; Zavod za infektivne bolesti djece, Klinika za infektivne bolesti "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Zagreb, Hrvatska
Branko Miše ; Zavod za infektivne bolesti djece, Klinika za infektivne bolesti "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Zagreb, Hrvatska
Goran Tešović ; Zavod za infektivne bolesti djece, Klinika za infektivne bolesti "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis infection varies in severity from asymptomatic carriage to fulminant sepsis. Early recognition and treatment of invasive disease reduces mortality and a number of complications. Symptoms and signs of sepsis (leg pain, cold hands and feet, changes in skin colour) are marked as early clues to diagnosis. Rash is seen later in the course of the disease and can sometimes be blanching. Rash is absent in a significant number of patients, especially in those suffering from meningitis. Early antibiotic and supportive treatment is crucial for outcome. Penicillin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are used in the treatment. Fluid resuscitation is the most important in patients with sepsis and management of increased intracranial pressure in those with meningitis.

Keywords

Neisseria meningitidis; sepsis; meningitis

Hrčak ID:

133461

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/133461

Publication date:

30.6.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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