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Is The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Childhood Acute Bacterial Meningitis In Turkey Evidence-Based?, Özden Türel, Mustafa Bakir

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Evidence-based guidance is likely to significantly improve patient care. We aimed to characterize the adequacy of standard diagnostic methods and treatment in children with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Turkey. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study among children 1 month to 5 years old hospitalized with ABM in İstanbul. The World Health Organization case definition and laboratory criteria were used for diagnosis. Results: Of the 283 cases, 250 were probable and 33 (11.2%) were confirmed as bacterial meningitis. The majority of patients (92%) were treated at 9 governmental hospitals and the remaining 21 at 2 university hospitals. Blood …