Patient with Suspected Meningitis Age > 56 days — Risk Stratification — Clinical Pathway: Emergency, Inpatient

Suspected Meningitis Age > 56 days Clinical Pathway – Emergency Department, Inpatient and ICU

Risk Stratification

This risk stratification is meant as a guide. Other symptoms may be present which can increase or decrease the clinical suspicion for bacterial meningitis in the pediatric population.

Higher Suspicion for Bacterial Meningitis
  • Acute presentation (shorter duration but more rapid progression of symptoms)
  • Toxic appearance
  • Altered mental status
  • Seizures
Lower Suspicion for Bacterial Meningitis
  • Prolonged duration of mild symptoms
  • Clinical improvement without antibiotic treatment
  • Absence of symptoms and signs associated with higher suspicion
  • Probable alternative diagnosis (e.g. Lyme or viral meningitis)