From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The most critical aspect of managing pediatric CNS infections is prompt diagnosis and treatment, as highlighted in the study by 1, which emphasizes the importance of lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis in diagnosing CNS infections.
Key Aspects of Pediatric CNS Infections
The following 10 multiple-choice questions cover key aspects of diagnosis, management, and treatment of central nervous system infections in children:
- Question 1: Which pathogen is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in neonates? A) Group B Streptococcus B) Escherichia coli C) Listeria monocytogenes D) Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Question 2: What is the first-line empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected bacterial meningitis in a 3-year-old child? A) Ampicillin plus gentamicin B) Vancomycin plus ceftriaxone C) Meropenem alone D) Ceftazidime plus metronidazole
- Question 3: Which CSF finding is most consistent with viral meningitis? A) Elevated protein, normal glucose, lymphocytic pleocytosis B) Normal protein, low glucose, neutrophilic pleocytosis C) Elevated protein, low glucose, neutrophilic pleocytosis D) Normal protein, normal glucose, no cells
- Question 4: Which virus is the most common cause of encephalitis in immunocompetent children? A) Herpes simplex virus B) Varicella-zoster virus C) Enterovirus D) West Nile virus
- Question 5: What is the recommended duration of acyclovir therapy for confirmed HSV encephalitis in children? A) 7 days B) 14 days C) 21 days D) 28 days
- Question 6: Which of the following is a classic triad of tuberculous meningitis? A) Fever, headache, altered mental status B) Fever, neck stiffness, photophobia C) Fever, cranial nerve palsies, focal neurological deficits D) Fever, seizures, papilledema
- Question 7: What is the most common complication of bacterial meningitis in children? A) Hydrocephalus B) Hearing loss C) Seizures D) Cerebral edema
- Question 8: Which imaging modality is most appropriate for initial evaluation of a child with suspected brain abscess? A) Skull X-ray B) CT scan with contrast C) MRI with contrast D) Ultrasound
- Question 9: In a child with suspected meningitis, which of the following is an absolute contraindication to lumbar puncture? A) Fever B) Increased intracranial pressure C) Thrombocytopenia D) Recent seizure
- Question 10: What is the most appropriate empiric treatment for cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised child? A) Pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine B) Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole alone C) Clindamycin plus quinine D) Atovaquone monotherapy
Diagnosis and Treatment
As noted in the study by 2, the emergence and re-emergence of neurotropic viruses have highlighted the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of CNS infections in children. The use of multiplex PCR assays, as discussed in the study by 3, can aid in the rapid diagnosis of CNS infections and guide empiric treatment. The study by 4 emphasizes the importance of optimal timing of lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis in diagnosing CNS infections, and highlights the need for diagnostic stewardship to benefit individual patients and society at large. In the management of pediatric CNS infections, it is essential to consider the potential complications, such as those discussed in the study by 5, and to provide supportive care and antimicrobial therapy as needed. The study by 1 also highlights the importance of considering the specific microbiological and clinical features of the most frequent pathogens and providing an update on the diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for viral CNS infections in children.