Meningitis patients with pneumonia: correlation between blood parameters and clinical features

Biomark Med. 2022 Dec;16(18):1269-1278. doi: 10.2217/bmm-2022-0565. Epub 2023 Mar 2.

Abstract

Background: This research aimed to explore the possible relationship between the main experimental parameters and clinical status in meningitis patients with pneumonia infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the demographic characteristics, clinical features and laboratory parameters of meningitis patients was performed. Results: D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) exhibited good diagnostic ability for meningitis complicated with pneumonia. Additionally, we observed a positive correlation between D-dimer and CRP in cases of meningitis with pneumonia infection. D-dimer, ESR and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) were independently associated with meningitis patients with pneumonia infection. Conclusion: D-dimer, CRP, ESR and S. pneumoniae infection may effectively anticipate disease progression and adverse consequences in meningitis patients with pneumonia infection.

Keywords: CRP; D-dimer; ESR; meningitis; meningitis complications; pneumonia infection.

Plain language summary

D-dimer has an early and rapid diagnostic value for the hypercoagulation state. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been widely used laboratory parameters for inflammatory diseases. In our study, we observed increased D-dimer, CRP and ESR levels in patients with meningitis, which were more pronounced in patients with meningitis complicated with pneumonia. It is worth noting that D-dimer and CRP showed a positive correlation in patients with meningitis. D-dimer, CRP and ESR in patients with meningitis can effectively monitor disease progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Sedimentation
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Meningitis* / complications
  • Meningitis* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia* / complications
  • Pneumonia* / diagnosis
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Biomarkers