Comparison of postsurgical and community acquired bacterial meningitis--analysis of 372 cases within a nationwide survey.

The aim of this study was to assess if differences in etiology and risk factors among 372 cases of bacterial meningitis acquired after surgery (PM) or in community (CBM) have impact on outcome of infected patients. Among 372 cases of bacterial meningitis within last 17 years from 10 major Slovak hospitals, 171 were PM and 201 CBM. Etiology, risk factors such as underlying disease, cancer, diabetes alcoholism, surgery, VLBW, ENT infections, trauma, sepsis were recorded and mortality, survival with sequellae, therapy failure were compared in both groups.

Predictors of inferior outcome in community acquired bacterial meningitis.

The aim of this study was to assess mortality and sequellae within cases from Nationwide survey of community acquired meningitis and identify risk factors for inferior outcome. Risk factors such as underlying disease (diabetes mellitus, cancer, trauma, neonatal age, splenectomy, alcoholism, sepsis, other infections), etiology, clinical symptoms and outcome (death, improvement and cured after modifications of ATB therapy, cured without change of therapy, cured with neurologic sequellae) were recorded and analysed with univariate analysis (chi2 or t test for trends, CDC Atlanta 2004). Analysing risk factors for inferior outcome (death or cured with neurologic sequellae), we compared patients who died or survived with neurologic sequellae to all patients with community acquired bacterial meningitis.

["Economy class syndrome"--common risk of travelers?].

Economy class syndrome is the term for cases of venous thrombosis/, that start in connection with travelling for long distance. Syndrome occurs most frequently in economy class of flying. Because of crowded uncomfortable conditions by sitting, without movement during longer journey by plane can cause thrombosis, especially for patients with risk factors.

[Travel during pregnancy and possibilities of vaccination].

Pregnancy presents special medical problem where we need to take into account travel risks regarding pregnant women and the health limits as a consequence of pregnancy. It is also important to consider the fact that active prevention and treatment approaches are to a large degree limited by the pregnancy. The most optimal period for travelling is the second trimester.