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Outcome of paediatric bacterial meningitis 1979-1989
1Department of Paediatrics, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA.
Insights
Paediatric bacterial meningitis caused significant deaths and long-term issues like hearing loss. Early Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination and considering dexamethasone therapy are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection in children.
- Outcomes and long-term sequelae require ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the outcomes of paediatric bacterial meningitis.
- To evaluate the role of dexamethasone as adjunctive therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of paediatric bacterial meningitis cases.
- Study conducted at Flinders Medical Centre over an 11-year period (1979-1989).
Main Results:
- 80 episodes in 79 patients, with Haemophilus influenzae type b being the most common pathogen (75%).
- Mortality rate was 6.3% (5 deaths).
- Significant morbidity included sensorineural hearing loss (8.5%), learning difficulties (12.7%), and motor problems (7%).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial meningitis continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality in children.
- Routine vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b is recommended.
- Adjunctive dexamethasone therapy should be considered in management.
Objective:
To determine the outcome of all cases of paediatric bacterial meningitis over the 11-year period 1979-1989 and discuss the role of adjunctive therapy with dexamethasone.
Design And Setting:
The study was performed by retrospective case review at Flinders Medical Centre, a general teaching hospital.
Results:
There were 80 episodes in 79 patients. The age range was 2 days to 15 years (mean, 1.7 years). Haemophilus influenzae type b was the commonest organism (60 of 80 cases; 75%). There were five deaths (6.3%). Sensorineural hearing loss was found in six of 71 children (8.5%) and was bilateral and severe in four (5.6%). Other problems included learning difficulties (12.7%), motor problems (7%), speech delay (7%), hyperactivity (4.2%), blindness (2.8%), obstructive hydrocephalus (2.8%) and recurrent seizures (2.8%).
Conclusions:
Bacterial meningitis remains a disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Adjunctive therapy with dexamethasone should be considered, and vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b should be routine.