Assessing Adherence to International Meningitis treatment guidelines in United Arab Emirates healthcare settings: A retrospective study

Abstract Background Despite advancements in the healthcare sector, bacterial meningitis remains a significant international and local public health issue, particularly in developing countries. Evaluating adherence to international protocols for treating bacterial meningitis in various hospitals will reveal gaps in disease management. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted in three hospitals in the UAE from 2018 to 2023 to evaluate adherence to the Infectious Diseases Society of America IDSA guidelines. The collected information included demographics, medical history, causative pathogens, and appropriateness of the procedures and treatments recommended by IDSA. Data were analyzed using SPSS 2021. Results A total of 161 patients were included in the study; 66 patients received definitive therapy, and 95 patients continued empiric treatment. The overall adherence rate was 5%. Adherence to Lumbar puncture (LP), CT-Scan, blood culture, steroid, definitive, and empiric therapy protocols was 29.6%,62.1%,67.3%,29.2%,34.8% and 29.9%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis of adherence to the steroid protocol showed a P-value < 0.05, C.I(6.8–29), with length of hospital stay. The most commonly prescribed empirical regimen was Ceftriaxone with Vancomycin (51.6%). Conclusion This research uncovers a substantial deficiency in the observance of IDSA guidelines for the management of bacterial meningitis at three government hospitals in Sharjah, UAE.