Objective Conventional regimen for treating neonatal pyogenic meningitis is parenteral antibiotics for 21 days. We compared efficacy of short-term antibiotic of 14 days to this conventional regimen. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted in tertiary care hospital over 11 months. Neonates having birth-weight more than 1.5 kg with pyogenic meningitis were enrolled, and allotted into 2 groups: group A was given antibiotics for 14 days and group B for 21 days. They were monitored during hospital stay, and compared on follow-up on day 28. Primary outcome measure was treatment failure in the form of recurrence of sepsis/meningitis and faltering in growth or developmental milestones. Results The treatment success rate in both groups was 100%, no patient had recurrence. Mean growth in head circumference on day 28 was 1.8 (±0.56) cm in group A and 1.62 (±0.56) cm in group B, P = .15. Mean weight gain was 540 (±230) gm in group A and 470 (±180) gm in group B, P = .13. Mean length gain was 2.51 (±0.95) cm in group A and 2.33 (±0.64) cm in group B, P = .32. On day 28, all patients of group A and B had achieved social smile ( P = 1.0), 34 from group A and 38 from group B achieved gaze fixation ( P = .37), 21 from group A and 18 from group B could hold head steady ( P = 1.0). None developed any sequalae or abnormal otoacoustic emissions. Conclusion Short course of antibiotics for neonatal pyogenic meningitis was as effective as the conventional regimen in neonates with cerebrospinal fluid clearance and clinical improvement by day 7.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is routinely practiced in post-natal wards for care of stable low birth weight (LBW) infants. Objectives of the study were conducted to emphasize on the role of KMC in vitals stabilization and weight gain in LBW babies inside neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods: Cross-sectional analytical quantitative study.Results: A total of 80 babies (48 males and 32 females) were enrolled and given KMC inside NICU. Mean birth weight was 1330 grams. Mean gestational age was 33 weeks (range 30-38 weeks). KMC was initiated within 72 hours of life in majority of babies (71%). Though 65% of them required oxygen support via prongs, KMC was started in them, with monitoring of vitals. No episode of apnea was observed during KMC sessions. Mean duration of KMC was 6 days (3-14 days). Heart rate dropped by 3-4 beats per minute (150+2.12 to 146+1.63, Respiratory rate decreased from 53+3.9 to 49+2.7, Oxygen saturation improved by 2-3% (93+0.42 to 96+0.71). Temperature rose from 36.78+0.01 to 37.07+0.02. P value for all vitals was 0.0001, which is considered significant (<0.05). Average weight gain was 76 grams during the average 6 days of KMC inside NICU, (p value=0.0001).  Conclusions: KMC was found to be effective for stabilization of vitals in NICU, early initiation and upgradation of feeding, early achievement of weight gain pattern, and early shift to postnatal ward by mother’s side. Also, no adverse effects were noted on the babies.