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[Etiology and clinical course of meningitis in children]

Elzbieta Loba-Jakubowska1, Jolanta Frasunkiewicz, Danuta Chlebna-Sokół

  • 1Klinika Propedeutyki Pediatrii Instytutu Pediatrii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi. propedeutyka@alef.am.lodz.pl

Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|March 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study identified common causes of meningitis in children, including bacterial pathogens like N. meningitidis and viral agents. Complications such as hydrocephalus and developmental issues occurred in nearly half of the cases despite treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood illness and potential long-term disability.
  • Understanding etiological factors is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the etiological factors of meningitis in hospitalized pediatric patients.
  • To describe the clinical course and outcomes of meningitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 80 pediatric meningitis cases hospitalized between 1991 and 2000.
  • Etiological factors were determined through microbiological and virological investigations.

Main Results:

  • Etiological factors were identified in 42 cases (52.5%), with 32 of 62 purulent meningitis and 10 of 18 aseptic meningitis cases.
  • Common pathogens in purulent meningitis included N. meningitidis (16%), S. pneumoniae (8.1%), K. pneumoniae (4.9%), and H. influenzae type B (4.9%).
  • Mumps and herpes viruses were the most common causes of aseptic meningitis. Complications like hydrocephalus, brain edema, and sensory impairments were observed in 47% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial and viral pathogens are key etiological factors in pediatric meningitis.
  • Despite treatment, a significant proportion of children experience severe complications, highlighting the need for continued research and improved therapeutic approaches.

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