A recent study by De Gans and Van de Beek in the nejm entitled ‘Dexamethasone in adults with bacterial meningitis’ made the question relevant if children suspected of bacterial meningitis should be treated with dexamethasone. Based on the literature available we advise dexamethasone treatment for children older than two months of age who are suspected of acute bacterial meningitis. Dexamethasone should be given just before, or together with the first dose of (intravenous) antibiotics, in a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg/day in four doses during four days.
