Pharmaceuticals
Adjunctive Corticosteroids in Pediatric Meningitis: Current Evidence, Clinical Controversies, and Future Directions
By Zambelli G, Masetti M, Diona S and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
Pediatric bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of death and long-term neurological disability despite advances in vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, and supportive care. Because host inflammation contributes substantially to secondary neuronal injury, adjunctive corticosteroids have been investigated as a strategy to reduce inflammation-mediated complications. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on corticosteroid therapy in pediatric meningitis, with particular emphasis on acute bacterial meningitis, major clinical and neurological outcomes, treatment timing, pathogen-specific effects, and the impact of changing post-vaccination epidemiology.
Methods
A structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for relevant publications available up to June 2026. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and international guidelines involving patients aged 0-18 years were considered. Evidence was synthesized narratively, focusing on mortality, hearing loss, neurological sequelae, long-term outcomes, safety, causative pathogen, and timing of corticosteroid administration.