OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of cerebral ultrasound in infants diagnoses on meningitis neonatal to the neurological outcome. METHOD: A retrospective study of 16 children admitted at Institute Fernandes Figueira RJ - Brazil, who had neonatal meningitis and were examined by cerebral ultrasound. The neurologic outcome was evaluated until 12 years of age. Positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: 56.25% were male and 81.25% premature. Hydrocephalus was the most frequent finding (56.25%) followed by normal exam (43.75%). Findings of hydrocephalus (9) only one had good neurologic outcome; and normal exam (7): only 57.14% without brain damage. Findings of ventriculitis (4) and brain abscesses (2) all had neurologic damage. Diagnosis of encephalomalacia (2): only one had good cognitive function. Findings of cerebral atrophy (2) all with severe outcome. CONCLUSION: The positive and predictive values were: 88.89%; 57.14% negative; sensitivity was 72.73% and specificity 80%.
cerebral; ultrasound; neonatal meningitis
