ArticleBMC pediatrics2026
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of early-onset neonatal bacterial meningitis: a 20-year retrospective comparison of preterm and full-term infants.
Article in BMC pediatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundTo compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of early-onset neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM) in preterm and full-term infants.
methodsThis retrospective study analyzed neonates diagnosed with NBM within 7 days (based on symptom onset) of birth at authors' hospital (2005-2024). Participants were stratified into preterm (< 37 weeks) and full-term (37-42 weeks) groups. Data on perinatal factors, clinical presentation, laboratory results, and outcomes were compared.
resultsA total of 74 infants (33 females, 41 males) were included, with 17 in the preterm group and 57 in the full-term group. Preterm infants had higher rates of premature rupture of membranes (PROM; 52.94% vs. 8.77%, p < 0.001), apnea (35.29% vs. 1.75%, p < 0.001), and respiratory support need (58.82% vs. 12.28%, p < 0.001), but lower fever incidence (41.18% vs. 80.70%, p = 0.004). Escherichia coli (37.10% of blood culture-positive cases) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (30.65% of blood culture-positive cases) were predominant pathogens. Overall cure and mortality rates (60.81% and 9%, respectively) did not differ significantly between groups.
conclusionPreterm infants with early-onset NBM had higher rates of apnea, respiratory support, and PROM, but lower incidence of fever compared to full-term infants. These differences highlight the need for early recognition and tailored management in preterm cases. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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