A Case of Pediatric Meningitis & Diagnostic Oversight
Case Summary: A previously healthy two-month-old infant was brought to a health clinic by their mother with symptoms of left upper eyelid swelling and a fever. The mother was advised to use a cold compress and monitor symptoms. No diagnostic testing was conducted during the appointment. The mother was instructed to return to the health clinic, rather than the emergency room, if symptoms continued.
Over the next several days, the infant was seen two additional times at the clinic for persistent fever, vomiting, inconsolable crying, and increased leg tension. Despite the progression of symptoms—some consistent with meningitis—diagnostic testing was still not pursued.
At the final health clinic visit, the symptoms were attributed to teething. The patient’s mother was advised to give the then four-month-old infant ibuprofen—an antipyretic generally not recommended for those under six months, as it can suppress fever and pain signals that alert caregivers to underlying illness.
Soon after the final health clinic visit, the infant was brought to the emergency department, where they were diagnosed with meningitis. Upon arrival, the infant was experiencing seizures and cardiac arrest and subsequently fell into a coma.
Expert Analysis: Plaintiff’s counsel enlisted a nursing expert to review the medical records from the health clinic and hospital, as well as deposition transcripts and related literature. Medical best practices call for a high index of suspicion for meningitis in infants, especially when presented with signs such as persistent fever, inconsolable crying, and abnormal leg tension. According to pediatric guidelines, early testing—including lumbar puncture or laboratory screening—should have been initiated. However, records show that meningitis was never considered, and no testing was performed across three separate visits to the health clinic. Had the proper protocols been followed, it is likely that the infection could have been diagnosed earlier and treated before it progressed.
Findings: Following the medical record review, a preliminary analysis was provided to Plaintiff’s counsel, outlining deviations from standard pediatric care and identifying missed opportunities for early intervention. Due to delays in diagnosis and treatment, the infant suffered severe and permanent neurological damage, including cortical blindness, loss of mobility, and a persistent vegetative state. The expert concluded that the healthcare providers at the clinic failed to meet the standard of care required in pediatric cases involving symptoms potentially indicative of meningitis.
