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A Case Report on Biot's Breathing: An Early Sign of Brainstem Dysfunction in Neonatal Bacterial Meningitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Neonatal seizures are a diagnostic challenge that requires urgent identification of the underlying etiology. We present the case of a 16-day-old newborn admitted with afebrile seizures and severe hyponatremia, in whom further investigation revealed Escherichia coli bacterial meningitis complicated by syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), post-infectious hydrocephalus, and Biot's breathing. This case highlights the complexity of neonatal seizure evaluation when initial clinical findings are misleading and emphasizes the value of recognizing Biot's breathing as an early clinical sign of brainstem dysfunction in the context of neonatal bacterial meningitis, warranting prompt, multidisciplinary management.

Source: Cureus

Authors: Shadi Badr El Din, Chantal Lecart, Antoine Bachy

Institutions: UCLouvain, Grand Charleroi Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Neonatal and Maternal Infections

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7171364937

FWCI:

Cites: 8

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