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Childhood meningitis in a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa: clinical and epidemiological features

M Hailu1, L Muhe

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Medical Journal
|May 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study on childhood meningitis found high morbidity and mortality rates, with infants being most affected. Delayed presentation and pneumococcal meningitis were key risk factors for poor outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood illness and death.
  • Understanding the epidemiological features and outcomes of pediatric meningitis is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the epidemiological characteristics of meningitis in children.
  • To evaluate treatment outcomes and duration of clinical improvement.
  • To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric meningitis cases.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective hospital-based study was conducted on 136 children aged 3 months to 12 years admitted with meningitis.
  • Data collected included clinical presentation, causative agents, treatment initiation, and patient outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to determine risk factors for mortality and duration of fever.

Main Results:

  • Infants constituted 58% of cases and 68% of deaths.
  • Neurologic signs were common presentations alongside fever and vomiting.
  • Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis were responsible for 90% of culture-positive isolates.
  • Morbidity and mortality rates were both 25%.
  • Delayed presentation, partial treatment, altered sensorium, and pneumococcal meningitis were identified as mortality risk factors.
  • The mean duration of fever post-treatment was 3.7 days.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric meningitis continues to present with high morbidity and mortality rates in this hospital setting.
  • Early detection and prompt, appropriate treatment are essential to improve outcomes.
  • Further research into prevention and management strategies is warranted.

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