Oman medical journal
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The aim of this study was to analyze the lumbar puncture of all suspected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for suspected meningitis. ⋯ Based on the fact that only 7% of the 395 CSF studies were abnormal, we conclude that better clinical judgment and diagnostic criteria are warranted, before laying out guidelines for lumbar puncture to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Besides fever and convulsions as indicators for CSF studies clinical parameters such as irritability, lethargy and sick looking appearance are better indicators.