Arch Neurol Chicago
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Arch Neurol Chicago · Jul 1999
Meta AnalysisGlucocorticoids in central nervous system bacterial infection.
To evaluate evidence-based data on adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy in central nervous system bacterial infections. ⋯ Although adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy may be beneficial in both acute bacterial meningitis and more severe tuberculous meningitis, there are conclusive data only for H influenzae meningitis in children. For acute bacterial meningitis, further studies are needed to clarify the optimal duration of dexamethasone therapy (2 vs 4 days), whether this therapy should be used routinely for adults with meningitis, and whether it should be used for pathogens other than H influenzae. For tuberculous meningitis, further studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence of benefit.