Sodium in meningitis

 Q: Which is more common in acute bacterial meningitis? (select one) 

A) hypernatremia 

B) hyponatremia 

Answer: B

Concomitant abnormal laboratory findings are common in acute bacterial meningitis. It includes leucocytosis or leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, DIC, anion gap metabolic acidosis, and hyponatremia. 

Presence of leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia is correlated with poor outcomes. On the other hand, the presence of hyponatremia has no bearing and doesn't require treatment.

#ID

#electrolytes

References:

1. Brouwer MC, van de Beek D, Heckenberg SG, et al. Hyponatraemia in adults with community-acquired bacterial meningitis. QJM 2007; 100:37. 

2. Kaplan SL. Clinical presentations, diagnosis, and prognostic factors of bacterial meningitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1999; 13:579. 

3. Kornelisse RF, Westerbeek CM, Spoor AB, et al. Pneumococcal meningitis in children: prognostic indicators and outcome. Clin Infect Dis 1995; 21:1390.