Objective       To investigate the clinical features of neonatal purulent meningitis（PM）by comparing the full-term and preterm neonates so as to provide advices for the prevention and treatment of this disease.       Methods       A total of 98 cases of neonatal PM were identified in our center from February 2007 to February 2013. According to gestational age

these newborns were divided into the full-term group and the preterm group. Symptoms and signs

laboratory results

pathogens

imaging examinations

complications and outcomes were compared.       Results       Fever（Chi square=12.529，P0.001） and convulsions （Chi square=5.286，P=0.022）were more common in the full-term group

while muscle tone reduction（Chi square=11.113，P=0.001）was usually found in the preterm group. Neonatal PM was recovered after a standard treatment

and but the treatment time was shorter in the full-term group (22.92±7.69 d) than the preterm group (33.88±15.16 d). The follow-up showed the incidence of sequels was 25.00% for the full term group and 29.41% for the premature group.       Conclusion       There are lower incidences of common neonatal PM manifestations

such as fever

convulsions and signs of other intracranial infection in preterm newborns. They need longer treatment and higher rates of severe sequels. So neonatal PM in preterm newborns should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.