CHLORAMPHENICOL IN THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE MENINGITIS

Abstract

Whereas the mortality from meningitis due to Hemophilus influenzae has fallen remarkably during the past decade, several recent reports bear witness that there is still leeway for improvement in treatment of this disease. In well equipped hospitals, 63 to 90 per cent of patients with this type of meningitis survive¹; however, many survivors show evidence of permanent brain damage, so that odds for complete recovery vary from 44 to 73 per cent.²The outlook under less than the most favorable conditions is undoubtedly poorer. What seems to be needed are (1) means of shortening the period of active infection, i. e., even more effective therapeutic agents, and (2) a way to lessen damage due to increased intracranial pressure. As to consideration of the first need, the present paper reports on the efficacy of chloramphenicol (chloromycetin®) in treatment of meningitis due to H. influenzae. Two other recent antibiotics which