Ruling out ‘meningitis’ does not help patients with septicaemia

06 August 2010

The recent inquest into the tragic death of 25 year old Joanne Dowling from meningococcal septicaemia at Milton Keynes Hospital has once again highlighted the importance of doctors distinguishing between meningitis and septicaemia.

The inquest came just as the Medical Defence Union issued new guidance to GPs in the wake of its revelation that it has paid out £22million in 'meningitis' claims since 1998.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining of the brain. Septicaemia is blood poisoning. They are often caused by the same bacteria, particularly meningococcal bacteria.

Dr Nelly Ninis, Consultant paediatrician at St Mary's Hospital Paddington, commented, "When parents worry about meningitis, they often actually mean septicaemia, in other words a rapidly fatal illness in which the child gets a fever and a non-blanching rash.”

Dr Ninis is the author of the largest ever study of healthcare delivery for meningitis and septicaemia,which was funded by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). She comments, “Doctors need to realise that looking for septicaemia is different than looking for meningitis. Ruling out meningitis by no means rules out septicaemia. “

Dr Ninis continues, “Doctors need specific training to recognise the signs and symptoms of septicaemia. The treatment of septicaemia is well described in the recent NICE guideline on meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, and in MRF’s protocol and their other educational resources for doctors. The treatment of septicaemia is totally different to the treatment of pure meningitis."

Dr Ninis concludes, “It is unacceptable for doctors who see acutely ill patients to be unaware of the differences between presentation, diagnosis and treatment of septicaemia and meningitis”

MRF has constantly stressed the difference between meningitis and septicaemia in its awareness materials for both the general public and health professionals. For many years it has publicised the tumbler test in the UK, a means of recognising a septicaemic rash. Following Dr Ninis’ healthcare delivery study, MRF introduced the red flag symptoms – early warning symptoms of septicaemia – into all of its awareness materials.

All MRF diagnostic and awareness materials are available free of charge. Download or order from the charity’s website or call the Freefone 24 hour helpline on 080 8800 3344 in UK, 1800 41 33 44 in RoI

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrian Robson, MRF - 01454 281811
Our of office hours - 07711 057875

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

• Dr Ninis is available to interview on request to MRF
• Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 26 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent £16 million on research since its inception in 1989
• Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline – 080 8800 3344 – providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals
• Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on this website in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24-hour helpline
• The Foundation offers support for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Trained helpline staff are available 365 days a year. A befriender service links people with experience of meningitis and septicaemia to share their experiences and counsel each other