Meningitis in Children Presenting With First-Time Fits And Fever

Abstract

Background:  Seizures are among the most common neurological crises that children experience. Medical professionals are concerned that meningitis may be the underlying reason when youngsters experience convulsions and fever. This study aimed to determine the frequency of meningitis in children presenting for the first time with seizures and fever at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.

Materials & Methods:  This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Pediatric Medicine Department, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. The study used a non-probability consecutive sampling method to select 135 children, ages 1 month to 12 years.

Results:  The study included 135 children with a mean age of 7.44 years (SD ± 2.7). Age-wise distribution showed the highest proportion (31.1%) in children aged 11–12 years. Males comprised 41.5%(n = 56), and females 58.5%(n = 79). Meningitis was confirmed in 37%(n = 50) of cases. Fever was documented in 48.1% of cases. There was a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) between meningitis and the duration of symptoms, complicated seizures, and fever.

Conclusion:  Meningitis is a serious medical issue that should be evaluated by medical professionals in children who are having their first seizures and fever, especially if they are young or have complicated seizure presentations. Meningitis may not show the classic symptoms, but a diagnosis can still be made in some situations.