Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1989-7-11
pubmed:abstractText
A number of advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis have been made in recent years. In vivo studies have shown that bacterial cell wall fragments and endotoxins are highly active components, independent of the presence of viable bacteria in the subarachnoid space. Their presence in the cerebrospinal fluid is associated with the induction of inflammation and with the development of brain edema and increased intracranial pressure. Antimicrobial therapy may cause an additional increase of harmful bacterial products in the cerebrospinal fluid and thereby potentiate these pathophysiological alterations. These changes may contribute to the development of brain damage during meningitis. Some promising experimental work has been directed toward counteracting the above phenomena with non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory agents as well as with monoclonal antibodies. Although considerable advances have been made, further research needs to be done in these areas to improve the prognosis of bacterial meningitis.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
0934-9723
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
8
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
109-17
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1989
pubmed:articleTitle
Brain edema and increased intracranial pressure in the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't