Neonatal Meningitis

Neonatal meningitis is where the lining of the brain, the meninges, becomes inflamed in the first 28 days after a baby is born. Neonatal meningitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection but can also be the result of some viral infections. Infection can be passed on to the baby before delivery via the amniotic fluid, during delivery when passing through the birth canal or after delivery through contact with persons and medical devices.

Newborn babies are especially vulnerable to bacterial infections as their immune system has not fully developed and also because they do not receive their first immunizations until 2 months of age. Some of these immunizations protect against the types of infections which can cause meningitis.

The newborn babies who have the highest risk of meningitis include:

• Babies born prematurely;
• Babies with a low birth weight;
• Babies born where the pregnant woman tested positive for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy;
• Babies who have been born following a premature and prolonged rupture of membranes (where the membranes ruptured more than 18 hours before delivery);
• Babies who have suffered a traumatic delivery;
• Babies who have been deprived of oxygen during delivery;
• Babies born where the pregnant woman had chorioamnionitis, which is an inflammation of the placenta commonly as a result of infection.

Neonatal meningitis is a medical emergency.  Up to 4 out of 10 newborn babies who have meningitis die in the first month of life. Babies who survive meningitis may still suffer from a brain injury and can suffer from seizures, learning difficulties, as well as visual and hearing difficulties.

Pregnant women are screened during pregnancy for certain infections which may cause neonatal meningitis. An example of this is Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Where a pregnant woman tests positive for GBS on vaginal swabbing, she can then receive antibiotics during labour which reduces the risks to the unborn baby.

Giving antibiotics promptly to a pregnant woman who has a fever during labour can also help reduce the risk to her baby. Similarly, starting antibiotics and antiviral treatment promptly after a baby shows signs of meningitis offers them the best chance at avoiding a brain injury. These babies may also require urgent support with their breathing and circulation and prompt efforts to do this can also help to avoid injury.

The signs of meningitis in a newborn baby are sometimes subtle and can include:

• Fever;
• Being difficult to settle or drowsy;
• Feeling floppy when picked up;
• Not feeding well or vomiting;
• Struggling with breathing;
• Pausing when breathing;
• Having a low heart rate or low blood pressure;
• Seizures;
• Being jaundiced (or having a yellow hue to the skin).

If your baby suffered from meningitis in the first days or weeks of life and has a brain injury and you have concerns over how your baby’s care was managed then please contact us – we would like to help. We have a team of experienced lawyers and medical specialists who can review the medical care you received and help answer your questions. We will provide you with the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about your child’s future and ensure your child’s rights are protected. Rest assured – the consultation is confidential and free of charge.