Reagent Strips as an Aid to Diagnosis of Neonatal Meningitis in a Resource-limited Setting
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of tropical pediatrics
Abstract
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 ComburVR -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 10 106
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.
Description
Keywords
Child health, Paediatrics, Neonatal sepsis, Meningitis
Citation
Burgoine, K., Ikiror, J., Naizuli, K., Achom, L., Akol, S., & Olupot-Olupot, P. (2019). Reagent strips as an aid to diagnosis of neonatal meningitis in a resource-limited setting. Journal of tropical pediatrics, 65(1), 9-13. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmy003