Clinical Audit Study for Use of Corticosteroids in Treatment of Nervous System Infections

Abstract Background: Anti-inflammatory therapy is indicated for CNS infection. Corticosteroids are the most valuable anti-inflammatory drugs for CNS disease. They reduce CNS edema via their action on blood vessels, and they produce anti-inflammatory effects via their action on neutrophils and inhibition of cytokine synthesis.
Aim of the Study: To assess how much the adopted protocol of using corticosteroids in management of CNS infections is implemented in Assiut University Children Hospital (A.U.C.H).
Patients and Methods: Retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to Emergency unit, intermediate care unit, pediatric intensive care unit and department of neurology at Assiut University Children Hospital during the period from January 2016 to December 2016. Data were collected and compared to guidelines. Results: Corticosteroids was used in 100% of cases. Most of cases with CNS infection who received steroid treatment guided by treatment protocol showed marked improvement in GCS score, tendon reflexes, muscle tone and convulsions.
Conclusion: Corticosteroids are usually the primary drugs used to treat immune-mediated disorders of the CNS, including corticosteroid-responsive meningitis and corticosteroid-responsive meningomyelitis.