Case Report: Meningitis in Postpartum

Abstract

Highlight: • Meningitis is an infectious disease of the brain membranes and spinal cord. • Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection with high mortality and morbidity rates and can be one of the causes of fever in postpartum patients. • The most common pathogen that can cause bacterial meningitis is Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS), which causes most of the cases. ABSTRACT Introduction: Meningitis is an infectious disease of the brain membranes and spinal cord. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or aseptic actions can all cause meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection with high mortality and morbidity rates that can induce fever in postpartum patients. The incidence of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae Group B (SGB) in pregnant women reached 31.58%; the older the pregnant woman, the greater the risk of invasive SGB. Case: The patient came to the emergency room with unconsciousness, fever, and shortness of breath. The patient presented with Ronchi +, neck stiffness +, and GCS E1M1V1. A chest X-ray found cardiomegaly as well as pulmonary edema. A full blood count indicated leukocytosis, increased neutrophils, elevated SGOT and SGPT levels, and lymphocytopenia. The patient was then given antipyretics, anticonvulsants, neurotonics, neurotrophics, diuretics, antihypertensives, and antianginals. Conclusion: In this study, it can be determined whether infection during pregnancy or labor can cause postpartum meningitis. The most common pathogen that can cause bacterial meningitis is Streptococcus agalactiae Group B (SGB), which causes most cases. Early diagnosis of postpartum meningitis is important in order to begin as soon as possible and achieve the best results for the patient's recovery.

Keywords

• bacterial meningitis
• infectious disease
• mortality
• postpartum