Lumbar punctures, meningitis, and persisting pleocytosis.

A retrospective survey of children with haemophilus and pneumococcal meningitis was carried out to assess the significance of persistent CSF pleocytosis and the need for repeat lumbar punctures after adequate treatment. Persistent pleocytosis was noted in 9 of 27 patients with haemophilus meningitis; this tended to be present in those with higher initial CSF white blood counts and lower initial CSF glucose contents. No sequelae were noted in those with persistent pleocytosis. Repeat lumbar punctures were not of clinical benefit and tended to result in longer treatment which was not warranted.