Corticosteroids as an Adjunct to Treatment in Bacterial Meningitis

Adrenal cortical steroids have been advocated as adjuncts to the treatment of severe bacterial infection, including meningitis. A double-blind controlled trial of the effect of large doses of methylprednisolone showed no significant differences between treated and placebo groups either at discharge from the hospital or 1 to 4 years later. There was a surprisingly large number (31%) of survivors who showed sequelae-mostly subtle perceptual motor problems.Methylprednisolone does not offer benefit to the usual patient with bacterial meningitis.