Meningococcal Septicaemia Flashcards
What is a septic screen?
A group of investigations carried out routinely in febrile children.
What is included in a septic screen?
FBC
CRP
Blood culture
Urine testing
Chest X-ray
Lumbar puncture
What is used to assess the risk of a febrile child under 5?
NICE traffic light risk tool
What does the CSF profile of a bacterial illness show?
Raised protein
Low glucose
WCC >1000
Neutrophils
Cloudy appearance
What is the immediate management of meningococcal septicaemia in the community?
Give IM benzylpenicillin
Age < 1 years - 300mg
Age 1-9 - 600mg
Aged 10 and over - 1200mg
What is the management of meningococcal septicaemia in hospital?
Age <3 months - IV cefotaxime and amoxicillin
Age >3 months - IV ceftriaxone
What supportive medicines can be used for a child with meningococcal septicaemia?
Dexamethasone and dextrose
How is meningococcal infection spread?
Droplets from the nose or mouth
What is the first line prophylactic treatment of mengicoccal meningitis for close contacts?
Ciprofloxacin - single dose
How is close contact defined?
Household member
Anyone who has frequently visited the house, or shared secretions with the patient
Healthcare professionals with unprotected exposure to secretions
Anyone with close contact with the patient for over 8 hours e.g air travellers
What is Waterhouse-Frederichsen syndrome?
Meningococcal septicaemia with associated adrenal haemorrhage
What type of bacteria is neiserria meningitidis?
Gram negative diplococci
What are the common causes of bacterial meningitis in adults?
Neisseria meningitidis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What is the most common cause of meningococcal septicaemia in neonates?
Group B streptococcus
What are the green features of the NICE fever under 5 table?
Normal colour
Responds normally to social cues
Normal skin and eyes
Moist mucous membranes
Content/smiles
Strong cry
Stays awake or wakens quickly
No amber or red flags
