Aseptic meningitis associated with cephalosporins in an infant with trisomy 21

J Child Neurol. 2007 Jun;22(6):780-2. doi: 10.1177/0883073807304016.

Abstract

The authors report a case of aseptic meningitis associated with cephalosporins in an infant. A 1-year-old boy with trisomy 21 received several antimicrobials including cefotaxime and ceftriaxone for bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae b. High fever continued for more than a month, and discontinuation of cefotaxime broke the fever and improved the findings of cerebrospinal fluid. Because third-generation cephalosporins are the first choice against bacterial meningitis for infants, recognition and diagnosis of this rare occurrence of drug-induced aseptic meningitis is important. It is treatable by withdrawal of the drug, and recurrence can be prevented.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Cephalosporins / adverse effects*
  • Down Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Down Syndrome / microbiology
  • Down Syndrome / pathology
  • Haemophilus influenzae / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalosporins
  • C-Reactive Protein