TREATMENT OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACILLARY MENINGITIS WITH INTRATHECAL GENTAMICIN

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (1) , 31-41
Abstract
In order to evaluate the effect of intrathecal gentamicin on gram-negative bacillary meningitis, 28 patients were treated with intralumbar or intraventricular gentamicin in combination with systemic gentamicin and with other antibiotics. Sterile CSF was achieved in 21/22 (95%) episodes of documented gram-negative bacillary meningitis in patients who received > 1 day of therapy. Seventy-seven percent of these patients survived their infection. The mean CSF gentamicin level measured 24 h after intrathecal administration was 5.9 .mu.g/ml following intralumbar administration and 11.1 .mu.g/ml following intraventricular administration. Toxic side effects due to intrathecal administration of gentamicin were not noted. Intralumbar and intraventricular administration of gentamicin are apparently safe and efficacious in the treatment of gram-negative bacillary meningitis.

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