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[Spastic tetraparesis as a sequela of bacterial meningitis]

S V T-Barros1, T A-Beherens, A R-Cardozo

  • 1Unidad de Neurología Infantil, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brasil.

Revista De Neurologia
|November 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Spastic tetraparesis (ST) occurred in 15.1% of pediatric meningitis cases. Patients with ST experienced longer hospital stays and more frequent seizures and intracranial hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Context:

  • Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the central nervous system in children.
  • Spastic tetraparesis (ST) is a potential neurological complication of meningitis.
  • Understanding the incidence and associated factors of ST is crucial for pediatric intensive care.

Purpose:

  • To determine the incidence of spastic tetraparesis (ST) in pediatric meningitis patients.
  • To identify variables associated with the development of ST.
  • To compare findings with existing literature on meningitis complications.

Summary:

  • A retrospective review of 112 pediatric meningitis cases in an ICU from 1985-2001 identified an incidence of 15.1% for cerebral palsy, specifically spastic tetraparesis (ST).
  • Patients who developed ST had significantly longer hospitalizations, increased frequency of seizures, intracranial hypertension, and higher cerebrospinal fluid protein levels (p<0.05).
  • The study examined etiological agents, demographics, and treatment in relation to ST development.

Impact:

  • This study highlights the significant neurological sequelae of pediatric meningitis, particularly ST.
  • Findings can inform clinical management and prognostication for children with meningitis.
  • Provides valuable data for understanding long-term neurological outcomes in pediatric intensive care settings.
Abstract

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