FREQUENCY OF MENINGITIS IN LATE-ONSET NEONATAL SEPSIS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO SAIDU GROUP OF TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Meningitis is a serious complication of LONS and may result in seizures, developmental delay, hearing impairment, hydrocephalus, and death. Early diagnosis is difficult because neonates often present with non-specific symptoms. Determining the frequency of meningitis among neonates with LONS helps clinicians identify the need for early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation and timely treatment. Objective: To determine the frequency of meningitis in patients with late-onset neonatal sepsis presenting to Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics over six months. A total of 159 neonates aged 5–28 days diagnosed with LONS were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and CSF analysis were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Among 159 neonates, 92 (57.9%) were male and 67 (42.1%) female. Mean age was 14.2 ± 6.1 days. Meningitis was diagnosed in 36 patients, giving a frequency of 22.6%. Higher frequency was noted among preterm neonates, low birth weight infants, and rural residents. Conclusion: Meningitis is a common complication of late-onset neonatal sepsis. Routine consideration of lumbar puncture in clinically stable neonates with suspected LONS may improve early diagnosis and outcomes.