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Published on: June 29, 2021

Longitudinal outcomes of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in school-age children

H G Taylor1, C Schatschneider, N M Minich

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-6038, USA. hgt2@po.cwru.edu

Neuropsychology
|October 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Children surviving Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis may experience long-term neurodevelopmental issues. Early brain insults increase the risk for later-emerging sequelae in these survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis can cause significant long-term health problems in children.
  • Previous research indicated neuropsychological, achievement, and behavioral deficits in survivors with acute-phase neurologic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term outcomes of Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis survivors.
  • To examine age-related influences on disease sequelae in school-aged survivors.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of school-age survivors of Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis was reassessed 1 and 2 years after an initial evaluation.
  • Children were divided into affected (with neurologic complications) and unaffected groups.
  • Growth-curve modeling was used to analyze outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The affected group demonstrated poorer outcomes and less improvement over time compared to the unaffected group.
  • Later age at assessment and illness correlated with greater differences between groups in some outcomes.
  • Children with early, diffuse brain insults faced a higher risk for later-emerging sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Children with neurologic complications from Haemophilus influenzae Type b meningitis are at risk for persistent and potentially emerging neurodevelopmental issues.
  • Age at illness and assessment can influence the manifestation and severity of long-term sequelae.
  • Early brain insults from meningitis pose a significant risk for later-emerging sequelae in survivors.

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