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Long-term mortality in patients diagnosed with meningococcal disease: a Danish nationwide cohort study

Casper Roed1, Lars Haukali Omland, Frederik Neess Engsig

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. casper.roed@rh.regionh.dk

Plos One
|March 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients surviving meningococcal disease (MD) face a slightly increased long-term mortality risk, primarily due to nervous system diseases. This study quantifies the excess mortality risk for MD survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Long-term mortality following meningococcal disease (MD) is not well-documented, unlike its case fatality rate.
  • Understanding long-term outcomes is crucial for comprehensive patient care and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term mortality risk in patients who survived the acute phase of meningococcal disease.
  • To identify specific causes of death associated with increased long-term mortality after MD.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Denmark (1977-2006) included 4,909 MD patients alive one year post-diagnosis.
  • Matched population and sibling cohorts were used for comparison.
  • Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression, and cumulative incidence functions analyzed mortality rate ratios (MRR).

Main Results:

  • MD patients had an overall increased mortality rate ratio (MRR) of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.06-1.37).
  • A significantly higher risk of death was observed for nervous system diseases (MRR 3.57).
  • No increased mortality was found for infections, neoplasms, or cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals surviving meningococcal disease exhibit increased long-term mortality.
  • The excess mortality risk is modest and predominantly linked to nervous system diseases.
  • Sibling analysis did not reveal a significant familial risk increase.

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