Lancet Child Adolesc Health

Dexamethasone associated with lower mortality in pediatric pneumococcal meningitis

March 28, 2025

Study details: This study utilized a propensity score analysis to evaluate the impact of adjunctive dexamethasone on 30-day all-cause mortality in 1,231 pediatric patients admitted with pneumococcal meningitis. The analysis aimed to balance the baseline characteristics between the treatment and control groups to minimize confounding factors.

Results: Use of adjunctive dexamethasone was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality among children with pneumococcal meningitis. The propensity score analysis demonstrated that patients receiving dexamethasone had better survival outcomes compared with those who didn't receive the adjunctive treatment. Specifically, the 30-day mortality rate was 6% in the dexamethasone group vs. 12% in the no-dexamethasone group.

Clinical impact: Incorporating dexamethasone as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of pediatric pneumococcal meningitis could improve survival rates. Consider the potential benefits of dexamethasone in managing this severe infection to enhance patient outcomes.

Source:

Giolito A; French Paediatric Meningitis Network; et al. (2025, April). Lancet Child Adolesc Health. Adjunctive dexamethasone and 30-day all-cause death after hospital admission in paediatric pneumococcal meningitis: a propensity score analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40113367/