Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Tubbs H[original query] |
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Identifying meningitis during an anthrax mass casualty incident: Systematic review of systemic anthrax since 1880
Katharios-Lanwermeyer S , Holty JE , Person M , Sejvar J , Haberling D , Tubbs H , Meaney-Delman D , Pillai SK , Hupert N , Bower WA , Hendricks K . Clin Infect Dis 2016 62 (12) 1537-1545 BACKGROUND: Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a potential bioterrorism agent. Anthrax meningitis is a common manifestation ofB. anthracisinfection, has high mortality, and requires more aggressive treatment than anthrax without meningitis. Rapid identification and treatment of anthrax meningitis are essential for successful management of an anthrax mass casualty incident. METHODS: Three hundred six published reports from 1880 through 2013 met pre-defined inclusion criteria. We calculated descriptive statistics for abstracted cases and conducted multivariable regression on separate derivation and validation cohorts to identify clinical diagnostic and prognostic factors for anthrax meningitis. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two of 363 (36%) cases with systemic anthrax met anthrax meningitis criteria. Severe headache, altered mental status, meningeal signs, and other neurological signs at presentation independently predicted meningitis in the derivation cohort and were tested as a four-item assessment tool for use during anthrax mass casualty incidents. Presence of any one factor on admission had a sensitivity for finding anthrax meningitis of 89% (83%) in the adult (pediatric) validation cohorts. Anthrax meningitis was unlikely in the absence of any of these signs or symptoms (LR-=0.12 [0.19] for adult [pediatric] cohorts), while presence of two or more made meningitis very likely (LR+=26.5 [30.0]). Survival of anthrax meningitis was predicted by treatment with a bactericidal agent (P=0.005) and use of multiple antimicrobials (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We developed an evidence-based assessment tool for screening patients for meningitis during an anthrax mass casualty incident; its use could improve both patient outcomes and resource allocation in such an event. |
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