ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG, CẬN LÂM SÀNG VÀ KẾT QUẢ ĐIỀU TRỊ VIÊM MÀNG NÃO MỦ TẠI BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA TỈNH VĨNH LONG

Abstract

Background: Purulent meningitis is a severe acute infection of the central nervous system characterized by rapid progression and high mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Objectives: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and evaluate treatment outcomes of purulent meningitis in adults at Vinh Long General Hospital. Materials and methods: A case series study of 46 patients was conducted on patients aged ≥16 years who were diagnosed with purulent meningitis and treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Vinh Long General Hospital from April 2025 to February 2026. Results: Patients aged ≥60 years accounted for 67.4% of cases, and females accounted for 52.2%. The most common clinical manifestations on admission were fever (97.8%), headache (95.7%), neck stiffness (89.1%), positive Kernig's sign (60.9%), and altered consciousness (47.8%). Laboratory findings showed peripheral leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis, elevated protein levels, and decreased glucose levels. After 48 hours of treatment, clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters tended to improve. The mean length of hospital stay was 16.8 ± 3.8 days. The recovery rate was 91.3%. Conclusions: Purulent meningitis in adults predominantly affects older patients, presenting with the classic triad of fever, headache, and meningeal signs. CSF analysis shows typical bacterial infection patterns, with significant improvement after 48 hours of treatment. Overall treatment outcomes were favorable; however, mortality was still observed, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.