Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae
06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

Long-term mortality in children diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis: a Danish nationwide cohort study

Casper Roed1, Frederik Neess Engsig, Lars Haukali Omland

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

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children surviving Haemophilus influenzae meningitis show no increased long-term mortality. However, they experience moderately increased hospital admissions for nervous system and ear diseases in the first 15 years post-diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Long-term Health Outcomes

Background:

  • Long-term mortality data for children with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is limited.
  • Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is a serious childhood infection requiring investigation of long-term sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term mortality and morbidity in children diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
  • To compare the health outcomes of survivors of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis with age- and gender-matched population controls.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Denmark (1977-1996) included children aged 0-<5 years diagnosed with H. influenzae meningitis.
  • Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression) and risk assessment for hospital admissions were performed.
  • Data were linked from medical databases, with 6 matched controls per patient.

Main Results:

  • 1242 H. influenzae meningitis patients and 7452 controls were followed for a median of 21.3 years.
  • No statistically significant increased long-term mortality (adjusted MRR 0.97) was observed for meningitis survivors.
  • Increased risk of inpatient admission and outpatient services was noted in the first 15 years, primarily for nervous system and ear diseases, then normalizing.

Conclusions:

  • Children surviving the acute phase of H. influenzae meningitis in a developed country face no increased long-term mortality.
  • Survivors experience moderately increased morbidity, particularly neurological and ear-related issues, in the initial 15 years post-infection.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice10:47

Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice

Published on: April 14, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...