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Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Bacterial meningitis among cochlear implant recipients--Canada, 2002
Samantha D Wilson-Clark1, S Squires, S Deeks
1Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada. wsamanth@region.waterloo.on.ca
MMWR Supplements
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Cochlear implant recipients (CIRs) face a high risk of bacterial meningitis (BM) post-implantation. Vaccination and addressing preimplant meningitis could significantly reduce these serious infections in Canadian CIRs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- A cluster of bacterial meningitis (BM) cases in European cochlear implant recipients (CIRs) prompted investigation in Canada.
- Health Canada initiated a study to determine BM infection rates and risk factors among Canadian CIRs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of post-implantation bacterial meningitis (BM) in Canadian cochlear implant recipients (CIRs).
- To identify risk factors associated with acquiring BM in this population.
- To assess the impact of vaccination status on BM occurrence.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 1,432 Canadian CIRs implanted between January 1995 and July 2002.
- A survey was mailed to assess post-implant BM infection, demographics, and vaccination status.
- Data analysis included calculating BM infection rates per 1,000 person-years and identifying risk factors.
Main Results:
- A total of 1,024 surveys (72%) were completed, with five (0.5%) reported BM cases.
- BM infection rates were higher in children (<18 years) at 2.9 per 1,000 person-years compared to adults (0.7 per 1,000 person-years).
- Pre-implant meningitis was a significant risk factor (p = 0.002); vaccination rates were low (46% pneumococcal, 41% meningococcal).
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implant recipients (CIRs) exhibit a high rate of post-implantation bacterial meningitis (BM).
- Pre-implant meningitis is a confirmed risk factor for developing BM after cochlear implantation.
- Increased vaccination rates against pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases may prevent BM cases in CIRs.
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