web analytics

Description

Garro et al developed a simple rule for identifying a child with meningitis who is unlikely to have Lyme meningitis. This can help to identify a child who should or who should not be worked up for Lyme disease. The authors are from Rhode Island Hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, University of Nebraska, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Lifespan Academic Medical Centers.


 

Patient selection: child with aseptic meningitis in an area endemic for Lyme disease

 

Criteria for definite Lyme meningitis – both of the following:

(1) CSF pleocytosis

(2) one or both of the following:

(2a) positive serology confirmed by immunoblot

(2b) erythema migrans rash

 

PCR on CSF is available and may be an alternative criteria.

 

A child is considered low risk (< 10% risk) if all of the following are noted:

(1) headache < 7 days

(2) percent mononuclear cells in the CSF < 70%

(3) absence of any cranial nerve palsy (CN VII, other)

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.