Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the S-100B and oxidative status in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with bacterial meningitis in both pre- and post-treatment periods.

Methods: The study comprised 25 paediatric patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Blood and CSF were taken within the first 2 hours of hospitalization and on day 10 after treatment. Total oxidant and total antioxidant levels were measured and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated for serum and CSF in both pre- and post-treatment periods. 

Results: The pre-treatment serum total oxidant levels and OSI values were found to be at significantly higher levels compared to the post-treatment values, while the total antioxidant levels and S-100B values were significantly lower. The pre-treatment CSF total oxidant and OSI values were found to be at a significantly lower level compared to the post-treatment levels, whereas no significance was found in the total antioxidant and S-100B values. 

Conclusions: Following treatment, clinical and bacteriological improvement was observed together with a reduction in oxidative stress in patients with bacterial meningitis. Despite this clinical and bacteriological improvement, the high post-treatment values of S-100B as a biochemical marker indicate that biochemical improvement after acute bacterial meningitis may require a longer process.