Introduction
A recent review study on neonatal infections has reported
a meningitis incidence ranging from 0.8 to 6.1 cases in
every 1000 live newborns.1 Neonatal meningitis continues
to be a severe disease with high morbidity, despite the fact
that over the last few decades its mortality rates have
reduced.2 Around 20e58% of survivors showed neurological
sequelae.3e5 Early recognition of infants at risk for poor
prognosis would be helpful in providing prompt management
and identifying those who warrant long-term followup
and early intervention. However, a large patient number
may be required for statistical analysis to identify risk
factors. Although a few neonatal bacterial meningitis
studies have been reported in Taiwan,6,7 no long-period
epidemiological data and prognostic factors have been
published. This study reviewed the 25-year epidemiological
data of culture-proven neonatal bacterial meningitis in
a medical center in northern Taiwan to discover the factors
for poor prognosis and assist in early detection and
management of the high-risk group.